India Under-19 carried forward their unbeaten momentum into the Super Six stage of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, reinforcing their status as serious title contenders with a dominant 7-wicket win over New Zealand U19 in Bulawayo. The comprehensive victory not only wrapped up India’s group stage campaign with a perfect record but also sent a strong message ahead of the more challenging Super Six phase.
From the outset, India imposed themselves as the superior side. After electing to bowl in conditions that were impacted by rain and resulted in a reduced 37-overs game, India’s bowling attack never allowed New Zealand to settle. The Kiwi batters found scoring difficult as disciplined lines and attacking fields restricted their run flow, and New Zealand were bowled out for just 135.
The standout performer with the ball was R.S. Ambrish, who produced a brilliant spell of 4/29, applying early pressure and consistently turning the screws with pace and accuracy. Support from bowlers like Henil Patel ensured New Zealand never built meaningful partnerships, effectively strangling momentum throughout the innings.
Chasing a revised target of 130 under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, India’s batters followed through with a mix of aggression and composure. Openers Dashed out quickly, but it was the partnership between skipper Ayush Mhatre (53) and Vaibhav Suryavanshi (40) that proved decisive. The duo combined for a 76-run stand, dismantling the New Zealand attack with clean hitting and excellent strike rotation.
Mhatre’s innings was particularly impressive — a blend of power and timing that helped India surge past the DLS par score long before the required overs were complete. With quick scoring across the top order and intelligent batting from the middle order, India finished their chase in just 13.3 overs with 130/3, showcasing just how smoothly the pursuit unfolded.
Beyond the statistics, the manner of India’s victory spoke volumes about their balance and depth. They combined incisive bowling that dominated early with a confident batting display that never looked back. Completing the group stage unbeaten with three wins, and entering the Super Six stage with maximum points, signals a team in control of its destiny.
The Super Six draw now sets up intriguing fixtures for India. They are scheduled to face Zimbabwe in their next match, followed by a high-stakes showdown with arch-rivals Pakistan on February 1 — a game that could define the final semi-final seeding.
With confidence high and form consistent, India U19’s performance so far reflects both skill and strategic maturity. The bowlers have shown the ability to dismiss competitive sides cheaply, while the batters have demonstrated adaptability under varied conditions and match situations. As the tournament progresses toward knockouts, India’s blend of aggression and composure will be crucial against stronger Super Six opponents.
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