India held their nerve to beat Bangladesh by 18 runs under the DLS method in a gripping Under-19 World Cup encounter on January 17. A late shower reduced Bangladesh’s chase, but it was Vihaan Malhotra’s four-wicket burst that ultimately swung the game firmly in India’s favour.
Sooryavanshi and Kundu lay the foundation
Asked to bat first, India posted a competitive 238 thanks to two key innings. Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi announced himself with a fast-paced 72 off 67 balls, becoming the youngest batter to reach a half-century in U19 World Cup history. In the process he also moved past Virat Kohli to become India’s highest run-scorer in Youth ODIs — a remarkable landmark for someone so young.
Support came from 17-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu, whose composed 80 in the middle order steadied the innings and helped India recover momentum after the powerplay. Together they ensured India had a total that would prove defendable.
Rain intervenes, target revised
A brief rain delay disrupted the chase and left Bangladesh with a revised DLS target of 165 from 29 overs. At 102 for 2 the visitors still looked well placed, but the game turned as India’s bowlers produced incisive spells under pressure.
Malhotra’s spell seals the contest
Vihaan Malhotra was the pick of the Indian attack. His four-wicket haul broke the backbone of Bangladesh’s chase, removing key batters at crucial moments. Captain Azizul Hakim had looked comfortable with a fifty but was dismissed trying to push the innings along, and from there the momentum shifted decisively to India.
Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 146, 19 runs short of the revised target and 18 runs adrift on DLS — leaving India to celebrate a hard-earned second consecutive win in the tournament.
Other bowling contributions
- Bangladesh’s pacer Al Fahad produced a standout performance with a five-wicket haul while trying to keep his side in the hunt earlier.
- Henil Patel finished the job for India by wrapping up the tail, ensuring there was no late drama.
Implications for Group B
The result moves India to the top of Group B and keeps their U19 World Cup campaign on an encouraging track. The win under pressure — with youngsters stepping up in both batting and bowling — will be a confidence booster as the tournament progresses.
Spirit of the game
Despite the tight finish and the rain interruption, the match ended on a positive note with warm exchanges between players. For India, the blend of youthful talent and composure under pressure offered a clear message: this side has depth and temperament for big moments.