New Delhi |India Under-19 cruised into the ICC Under-19 World Cup semi-finals after a dominant 58-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in Bulawayo on Sunday, thanks to an all-round performance by Kanishk Chauhan and a crucial half-century from Vedant Trivedi. Captain Ayush Mhatre also played a pivotal role, picking up three vital wickets as India secured their fifth consecutive win in the Super 6 stage.
Batting Brilliance Sets Up Total
India batted first and recovered from an early wobble at 47/3 to post a competitive 252 in 49.5 overs. Vedant Trivedi anchored the innings with 68 runs off 98 balls, including a six and two boundaries, while Kanishk Chauhan contributed a quickfire 35 off 29 deliveries with a six and four fours. A late partnership between Kanishk and Khilan Patel (21 off 15 balls) stabilized the innings and pushed India to a formidable total.
Pakistan Falls Short
Chasing 253 in 33.3 overs to keep semi-final hopes alive, Pakistan could only manage 194 in 46.2 overs, losing eight wickets. Captain Ayush Mhatre (3/21), left-arm spinner Khilan Patel (3/35), Kanishk Chauhan (1/30), and vice-captain Vihan Malhotra (1/15) shared the wickets, ensuring a comprehensive spin-dominated victory.
Despite strong partnerships at the top—Usman Khan (66) with Hamza Zahoor (42) and Farhan Yusuf (38)—Pakistan never gained the momentum needed to challenge India’s total. Key breakthroughs from India’s spinners between the 30th and 40th overs turned the game decisively in India’s favor.
Kanishk Named Man of the Match
Kanishk Chauhan’s all-round display, combining 35 runs, a wicket, and a crucial catch, earned him the Man of the Match award. His performance, along with Vedant’s half-century and Ayush’s leadership, underscored India’s balance in batting and spin bowling.
India U19 Now Face Afghanistan in Semi-Finals
With this win, India topped Super 6 Group 2 with eight points and a net run rate of 2.585, edging past England U19 (also 8 points, NRR 1.757). India U19 will now meet Afghanistan U19 in the semi-finals at Harare on February 4. The other semi-final will feature Australia U19 against England U19 on February 3 in Bulawayo.
