Bulawayo, 25 January (Sports Desk)
India Under-19 defeated New Zealand Under-19 by 7 wickets (DLS method) in the 24th Match (Group B) of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026, played at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
This victory sealed India’s perfect group stage record (3 wins out of 3), powering them into the Super Six stage with momentum. Rain interrupted play, forcing a DLS-adjusted target.
Match Summary
- New Zealand U19 innings: 135 all out in 36.2 overs
- India U19 innings: 130/3 in 13.3 overs (revised DLS target: 130 in 37 overs)
- Result: India U19 won by 7 wickets (with plenty of overs to spare – 141 balls remaining)
- Player of the Match: R.S. Ambrish (for his outstanding 4/29 spell)
New Zealand were bundled out cheaply after opting to bat first (or winning the toss – details confirm they posted 135). India’s bowlers dominated early, restricting NZ to a below-par total on a tricky surface affected by weather.
India chased the revised target with clinical efficiency in a shortened game, showcasing depth in batting and intent.
Key Performances
- R.S. Ambrish (4/29 in 8 overs): The star pacer delivered a match-winning spell, claiming 4 wickets and dismantling New Zealand’s middle order. His pace, variations (including slower balls), and accuracy earned him the Player of the Match award. He was instrumental in reducing NZ to a precarious position (e.g., at one stage 69/7).
- Henil Patel (3/23 in 7.2 overs): Complemented Ambrish brilliantly, picking up 3 wickets to share the bulk of the damage (7 wickets between the two pacers).
- Ayush Mhatre (Captain) (53 off 27 balls): Led from the front with an explosive half-century (27-ball 53), full of aggressive strokeplay to accelerate the chase.
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (40 off quick balls): Provided a blistering start as opener, setting the platform with fluent boundaries before Mhatre took over.
Other contributors in the chase included solid cameos to ensure no collapse, finishing comfortably at 130/3.
For New Zealand, Samson top-scored with 37*, but no one else could build a substantial partnership against India’s disciplined bowling attack.
watch…..Kishan-Surya Blitzkrieg: India Chase 209 in 92 Balls to Take 2-0 Lead
Overall Context
This was India’s third straight win in Group B of the U19 World Cup 2026, underlining their status as strong contenders for the title. The rain-affected win highlighted India’s adaptability – dominant with both bat and ball. Ambrish’s performance was particularly praised as a “pace mastery” show in highlights, while captain Mhatre’s knock kept the momentum high heading into the knockout stages.
