Under-19 World Cup 2026: India defeat Bangladesh by 18 runs, secure second win

Bulawayo: The Indian team faced Bangladesh on Saturday in their second match at the ICC Men's Under-19 World Cup 2026.  In the match held at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, the Indian team secured a thrilling 18-run victory under the DLS method. Due to rain, Bangladesh was given a revised target of 165 runs in 29 overs, but their entire team was bowled out for 146 runs.

How has India performed so far?

This was India's second consecutive victory in the tournament. India had started the tournament with a resounding 6-wicket win against the United States (USA) under the DLS method. The Indian team continued their impressive performance against Bangladesh as well. India will face New Zealand in their final group match on January 24.

Who starred with the ball for India?

Bangladesh's chase did not start well. They lost Jawad Abrar (5 runs) in the very first over, who fell to Deepesh Devendran. Rifat Beg and Azizul Hakim Tamim then put on a 56-run partnership for the second wicket. Rifat (37 runs) was dismissed by Kanishk Chauhan.

When the target was revised due to rain, the Indian bowlers were under pressure. However, the Indian bowlers performed brilliantly in this situation. Part-time spinner Vihan Malhotra gave Bangladesh their third blow by dismissing Kalam Siddiqui (15 runs). Vihan then also dismissed Sheikh Pawez Jibon (7 runs). Khilan Patel gave India their fifth wicket by dismissing captain Azizul Hakim Tamim. Tamim scored 51 runs off 72 balls, including four fours and a six.

After this, Vihan Malhotra dismissed Samiyun Basir Ratul (2 runs), taking Bangladesh's sixth wicket. Khilan Patel dismissed Farid Hasan Faisal (1 run), giving India their seventh wicket. After that, it didn't take long for the Bangladesh innings to end. Vihan Malhotra bowled brilliantly for India, taking four wickets. Khilan Patel took two wickets, while Deepesh Devendran, Henil Patel, and Kanishk Chauhan each took one.

How did the Indian batters perform?

After losing the toss and batting first, the Indian team scored 238 runs in 48.4 overs. India had a poor start, losing two wickets for just 12 runs. Captain Ayush Mhatre (6 runs) and Vedant Trivedi (0 runs) were dismissed by fast bowler Al Fahad. Following this, a 41-run partnership for the third wicket developed between Vaibhav Suryavanshi and vice-captain Vihan Malhotra. Vihan (7 runs) was dismissed by captain Azizul Hakim Tamim.

Amidst the fall of wickets, Vaibhav Suryavanshi continued his aggressive batting. Vaibhav completed his half-century in 30 balls, including 5 fours and three sixes. Abhigyan Kundu provided excellent support, and the two shared a 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Vaibhav scored 72 runs off 67 balls with the help of 6 fours and three sixes. Vaibhav was dismissed by fast bowler Iqbal Hossain Emon.

After Vaibhav Suryavanshi's dismissal, Harvansh Pangalia came to the crease, but he could only manage 2 runs. Following this, Abhigyan Kundu and Kanishk Chauhan shared a 54-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Kanishk scored 28 runs off 26 balls with the help of 4 fours. Shortly after Kanishk's dismissal, Abhigyan Kundu completed his half-century off 82 balls with the help of 4 fours and one six. RS Ambrish (5 runs) and Khilan Patel (8 runs) failed to make a significant contribution, leaving India's score at 208/8.

Abhigyan Kundu was the ninth batsman to be dismissed. Kundu scored 80 runs off 112 balls, including four fours and three sixes. Deepesh Devendran was then dismissed for 11 runs, bringing the Indian innings to a close. Al Fahad was the most successful bowler for Bangladesh, taking five wickets. Azizul Hakim Tamim and Iqbal Hossain Emon took two wickets each.

Who are the Under-19 World Cup hosts?

The Under-19 World Cup is being co-hosted by Namibia and Zimbabwe this year. The matches are being played in Windhoek, Harare, and Bulawayo. Five-time champions India are placed in Group A, which also includes New Zealand, USA, and Bangladesh. The Under-19 World Cup final is scheduled to be played in Harare on February 6.