When India’s innings concluded at 252, a promising chase seemed likely for Pakistan in their ICC Under-19 World Cup Super Six match. Pakistan entered the fixture needing to win, and to do so, they had to chase the target in 33.3 overs or less to eliminate India from the tournament. However, what unfolded was a lackluster performance from Pakistan, which resulted in them losing by 58 runs at Bulawayo on Sunday, allowing India to maintain their hopes for a sixth age-group title as they advanced to the semifinals.
Despite the challenging pitch conditions, Pakistan had several opportunities to restrict India’s total further. They managed to remove India’s top three batsmen during the first powerplay but failed to capitalize on these breakthroughs over the following ten overs. Their slow over-rate ultimately cost them dearly, as they found themselves one fielder short in the field during the death overs, which allowed India to score crucial late boundaries. The timid batting approach from Pakistan’s top order also came as a shock, particularly given their more aggressive display in the Asia Cup final against India.
Pakistan’s hopes rested heavily on opener Sameer Minhas, who had dazzled with a stunning 172 in the Asia Cup final and came into this match with two unbeaten innings of 74 and 76. However, on a pitch where some balls kept low, Minhas lost his wicket in the fourth over to Henil Patel, who trapped him in front. The celebrations from the Indian camp underscored the significance of this wicket.
As the required run rate began to climb, Pakistan exhibited little urgency in their chase. Although Hamza Zahoor and Usman Khan seemed composed, they did not apply any pressure on the Indian bowlers, who thrived on Pakistan’s passive approach. The left-right batting combination occasionally showed signs of aggression but soon reverted to a defensive strategy. Remarkably, in the first 21 overs, despite losing only two wickets, Pakistan faced 84 dot balls, allowing India’s spinners, Kanish Chouhan and Khilan Patel, to tighten the noose.
Realizing that qualifying for the semifinals was no longer an option, Pakistan’s innings fell apart. Skipper Ayush Mhatre took advantage of the mounting pressure from his frontline bowlers, claiming three wickets as his opponents collapsed.
Earlier, India had appeared to be in trouble before a strong middle and lower order staged a remarkable recovery. Pakistan’s seamers started strongly, with Ali Raza, Mohammad Sayyam, and Abdul Subhan finding movement early on. After Indian batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi and captain Mhatre fell in quick succession, Subhan took another crucial wicket, leaving India in a precarious position. However, Vedant Trivedi steadied the innings with a composed 68 runs, turning singles and twos into valuable runs, while other batsmen faltered.
Once Trivedi was dismissed, it was left to India’s all-rounders-RS Ambrish, Kanishk, and Khilan-to carry the team forward. They initially played cautiously but later accelerated the scoring, giving India a competitive total to defend.
With this victory, India remains undefeated in the tournament and is set to face Afghanistan in the semifinals. However, they will need to address various concerns as they look to present their best performance of the tournament.
Brief Scores: India Under-19 252 (Trivedi 68, Chouhan 35, Subhan 3-33) defeated Pakistan Under-19 194 (Usman 66, Zahoor 42, Mhatre 3-21, Khilan 3-35) by 58 runs.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/india-beat-pakistan-u19-world-cup-reach-semifinal-10507947/
Category: Cricket,Sports
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Publish Date: 2026-02-01 22:14:00
