While Indian opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi provided a strong start, Vihaan Malhotra guided to the big score with a strong century in the first Super 6 match for India U19 against the hosts Zimbabwe U19 at Bulawayo on Tuesday (January 27).

U19 World Cup 2026: Why India players are wearing black armbands vs Zimbabwe

Indian openers provided strong start

After the hosts Zimbabwe U19 chose to field first, Indian openers Aaron George and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi provided a quickfire 44-run partnership for the first wicket in just 4.1 overs. After Aaron was dismissed for 23 runs, Vaibhav and captain Ayush Mhatre guided India U19 to 100 runs in 10.1 overs. 

While Vaibhav completed 50 off just 24 balls, he scored 52 off 30 balls with four fours and four sixes. After Vaibhav's dismissal in the 11th over, when India lost two wickets in the same over, the no.5 batter Vihaan Malhotra controlled the Indian innings with his strong batting performance.

Struggling at 130/4, Vihaan and Abhigyan Kundu stabilised the innings with a 113-run partnership for the fifth wicket. While Kundu was dismissed for 61 off 62 balls, Vihaan continued his strong patience innings.

Vihaan Malhotra scored useful century

While Vihaan completed his 50 runs in 57 balls, he reached the three-figure mark in 104 balls. He reached the century with a four, as Vihaan remained not out for 109 runs in 107 balls with seven fours. It was the first century by an Indian in the ongoing ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026.

As RS Ambrish (28) and Khilan Patel (30 off 12 balls) played some powerful cameos, where Khilan especially slammed one four and three sixes in his brisk innings, India U19 scored 352/8 in 50 overs.