Abhigyan Kundu, Vihaan Malhotra shine as India beat Bangladesh by 18 runs in rain-hit match

India’s U-19 team kept their winning streak alive at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo and edged Bangladesh by 18 runs (DLS method) in a tense World Cup encounter. With the rain interfering, the match turned into a real test of nerves. India’s middle order remained solid and their bowlers finished strong in the crucial moments.

Initially, things looked shaky for India. Bangladesh’s Al Fahad took first place by leaving India at 53 for 3. Then everything changed. Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi and wicketkeeper Abhigyan Kundu stood out by forming a partnership that turned the game in India’s favour. Suryavanshi, who is just a child but has already made history, scored 72 off 67 balls; this became the youngest batsman to reach fifty in the U-19 World Cup.

Kundu kept things together at the other end and played a calm and steady hand in 80 off 112 balls. Despite a 65-minute rain delay, their stands took India to over 200 all out. The team finished with a solid score of 238 in 48.4 overs.

Then came more rain. Bangladesh found a new target (165 from 29 overs) and started strongly. They looked set to catch up with the game, taking 2/106 with skipper Azizul Hakim Tamim on 51. But vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra had other ideas. He came in and turned everything upside down, tearing through the middle and lower order for 4 wickets while giving up just 14 runs. Khilan Patel helped with two wickets of his own. Bangladesh suddenly lost their last seven wickets for just 22 runs.

India’s fielding was also sharp; Malhotra took a stunning catch on the boundary to end things. Bangladesh were bowled out for 146 in 28.3 overs. India came away with a hard-earned victory and their confidence grew with each match.

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