Bulawayo: India’s Under-19 team registered a thrilling comeback victory over Bangladesh by 18 runs (via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method) in a rain-interrupted Group A clash at the Queens Sports Club on Saturday, securing their second consecutive win in the ICC U19 World Cup 2026.
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl first in a match reduced to 49 overs per side due to a wet outfield and rain delays. India faced early trouble, losing captain Ayush Mhatre, Vedant Trivedi, and Vihaan Malhotra quickly. However, 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi (72 off 67 balls, 6 fours, 3 sixes) and wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu (80 off 112 balls, 4 fours, 3 sixes) staged a superb recovery, building crucial partnerships to guide India to a competitive 238 all out in 48.4 overs. Bangladesh’s Al Fahad impressed with five wickets.
Chasing a revised target of 165 in 29 overs after further rain interruptions, Bangladesh looked comfortable at 106/2, ahead on DLS par. But India’s bowlers turned the game dramatically. Vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra starred with a match-winning 4/14 spell, including key breakthroughs and a spectacular catch to seal the win. Khilan Patel (2 wickets) and others chipped in as Bangladesh collapsed to 146 all out in 28.3 overs.
Captain Ayush Mhatre praised the resilience of Suryavanshi and Kundu, noting the tricky conditions. This victory strengthens India’s position in Group A ahead of their next challenge.