In a pulsating Super Six encounter at the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Bulawayo on Sunday, India posted a competitive total of 252, setting Pakistan a challenging target in a match that had huge semi-final implications.
After being asked to bat first, India’s innings was a blend of grit and late-innings aggression. Vedant Trivedi anchored the innings with a patient 68 off 98 balls, helping India recover from early setbacks. Vaibhav Suryavanshi provided a brisk start with 30 off 22, but India’s top order struggled to convert starts on a slow pitch that made scoring tough for much of the day.
A late flourish from the lower order rescued India’s innings. All-rounders Kanishk Chouhan (35 off 29) and Khilan Patel (21 not out off 15) put on a vital 50-run stand in just over five overs, taking the total past the 250-run mark.
The target of 253 for victory proved too stiff for Pakistan. They needed not only to chase down the runs but also to do so quickly—within 33.3 overs—to overtake India’s net run rate and claim the final semi-final slot.
In response, Pakistan struggled to maintain the required tempo. Despite some resistance from the middle order, they were bowled out for 194 in 46.2 overs, falling short by 58 runs. India’s bowlers applied pressure at key stages, with disciplined spells that never allowed Pakistan to fully settle.
With this win, India sealed their place in the U-19 World Cup semi-finals, where they are set to face Afghanistan in what promises to be another thrilling contest.
The result not only highlighted India’s all-round capabilities but also underscored the importance of seizing critical moments in tournament cricket, especially in matches between these fierce rivals.
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