IND U-19 vs ZIM U-19: India eye semi-final spot after big win in U-19 World Cup 2026

The record five-time champions India U19 have put one step forward for the Semi-finals of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 after thrashing the hosts Zimbabwe U19 in the Super 6 stage fixture on Tuesday (January 27). 

After Zimbabwe U19 chose to field first, India U19 scored 352/8 in 50 overs. In reply, the hosts were bundled out for only 148 runs in 37.4 overs, as India U19 won the match by 204 runs. In Group 2 of the Super 6 stage, India U19 are on top of the points table with six points after three games. Although they have the same points as England U19, they have a stronger net run rate. Pakistan U19 are battling with them for the Semi-finals spot with four points in three games, as the top two of the group will advance to the Semi-finals. 

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Vihaan Malhotra scored ton after Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's powerful start

Indian top-orders provided a fiery start as they managed 100 runs in just 10.1 overs. While the opener Aaron George (23) and the no.3 batter skipper Ayush Mhatre (21) scored 20s, star opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 52 off 30 balls with four fours and four sixes. 

When the Indian colts were struggling at 130/4, Vihaan Malhotra and Abhigyan Kundu controlled the innings with a 113-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Kundu scored 61 off 62 balls, while Vihaan continued his innings till the final over.

Vihaan slammed India's first century in the tournament and scored 109 not out off 107 balls with seven fours. Meanwhile, Khilan Patel had a powerful cameo of 30 in just 12 balls with one four and three sixes. Before Khilan, RS Ambrish (21) also had a useful 20, as Vihaan had the 52-run and 47-run partnerships with Ambrish and Khilan, respectfully. 

Among the home bowlers, Tatenda Chimugoro (3/49) got three wickets, while Simbarashe Mudzengerere (2/51) and Panashe Mazai (2/86) picked up two wickets each. 

Only three Zimbabwe batters managed double-digit scores

In reply, Zimbabwe were losing wickets at regular intervals, starting from the first over. Only three Zimbabwe batters managed to score double-digit runs, as Kian Blignaut (37), Leeroy Chiwaula (62), and Tatenda Chimugoro (29) helped the hosts to manage the three-digit total. The hosts lost their last six wickets for only six runs.

Among the Indian bowlers, Ayush Mhatre (3/14) and Udhav Mohan (3/20) bagged three wickets each, while RS Ambrish (2/19) picked up two wickets.