Bulawayo, January 17, 2026 – In a pulsating encounter at the Queens Sports Club, India U19 showcased remarkable resilience to snatch an 18-run victory (DLS method) over Bangladesh U19 in their second Group A match of the ICC U19 World Cup 2026. This thrilling comeback, spearheaded by an exceptional bowling performance from Vihaan Malhotra, not only secured vital points for India but also highlighted the burgeoning talent within the squad, particularly 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi.

India’s Innings: Kundu and Suryavanshi Lay the Foundation

The match began under overcast skies in Bulawayo, with Bangladesh winning the toss and opting to bowl, a decision likely influenced by the persistent rain delays that had already affected both teams’ campaigns in the tournament. India’s start was far from ideal. Despite the experienced opening duo of captain Ayush Mhatre and the prodigious Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the top order struggled against Bangladesh’s disciplined attack, particularly pacer Al Fahad. Mhatre fell for just 6, followed quickly by Vedant Trivedi for a duck, leaving India reeling at 12/2 in the third over. Al Fahad’s early burst, which included two wickets in successive balls, threatened to dismantle the Indian innings completely.

However, it was the partnership between Suryavanshi and wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu that began to rebuild. Suryavanshi, despite an earlier ‘flop show’ against USA where he scored only 2, demonstrated immense maturity beyond his 14 years. He reached a rapid half-century off just 30 balls, studded with five boundaries and three maximums, becoming the youngest player to score a fifty in U19 World Cup history. More significantly, he also ‘surpassed Virat Kohli in the list of players with the most runs in youth ODIs’, a testament to his burgeoning talent and a statistic that will undoubtedly spark widespread excitement among Indian cricket fans.

While Suryavanshi attacked, Kundu played a more measured, patient innings. He came in at a difficult stage and meticulously built his score, eventually reaching a crucial 80 off 112 balls. His innings included three maximums, providing much-needed impetus in the latter stages. Together, these two young talents navigated the early collapse and the challenges posed by Bangladesh’s bowlers. The middle order, however, largely failed to capitalize on the platform laid, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Kanishk Chouhan provided a ‘fiery cameo’, but the collective effort around Kundu and Suryavanshi was somewhat lacking. India eventually posted 238 all out in 48.4 overs, with Al Fahad claiming an impressive five-wicket haul for Bangladesh.

Rain, Revised Target, and a Bangladeshi Surge

The chase began with Bangladesh showing positive intent, despite an early wicket from Deepesh Devendran. Openers Rifat Beg and Azizul Hakim Tamim built a solid partnership, taking Bangladesh past the 50-run mark. The early signs were concerning for India, as ‘Bangladesh were going along steadily and India need a couple of quick wickets to come back into the game’. The required run-rate was well under control, ‘less than 5’ at one point. Bangladesh skipper Tamim played a brilliant hand, racing to his fifty off 70 balls, carrying his team’s hopes on his shoulders.

Just as Bangladesh appeared to be cruising, rain intervened for the second time in the innings. This interruption proved to be a turning point. The match was reduced to 29 overs, with a revised target of 165 under the DLS method. Bangladesh, at 88/2 in 17.2 overs, now ‘needed 75 runs in 70 balls to win’ when play resumed. They were ‘well ahead in this game’, with the DLS par score being 82/2 at the 20-over mark, which they had surpassed.

Vihaan Malhotra’s Magical Spell and India’s Fightback

What followed the rain break was a dramatic collapse orchestrated by India’s bowling attack, particularly Vihaan Malhotra. When play resumed, Bangladesh looked ‘well in control’, but Malhotra produced a ‘magical spell of 4 for 14 in four overs’. He triggered the collapse by dismissing Kalam Siddiki Aleen, breaking a threatening partnership. From ‘106 for 2’, Bangladesh crumbled under pressure, losing wickets in a flurry. Tamim, after his resilient fifty, was dismissed by Khilan Patel, a ‘big fish’ wicket that swung momentum definitively in India’s favour. The fielding, too, ‘deserves the credit for this comeback victory’, with notable efforts like Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s ‘brilliant boundary line catch’.

Malhotra continued his relentless attack, picking up crucial wickets including Sheikh Paevez Jibon and Md Rizan Hossan. The pressure mounted, leading to a run-out of Al Fahad. As the game reached its climax, Bangladesh needed 19 runs off the final six balls with only one wicket in hand. Henil Patel held his nerve, and it was Malhotra himself who sealed the victory with a ‘sensational catch to the wide of long-on’, taking a ‘two-handed stunner’ to dismiss Iqbal Hossain Emon and wrap up Bangladesh’s innings for 146 in 28.3 overs.

Broader Implications and Tournament Context

This victory, India’s second in the tournament, underscores their reputation as ‘firm favourites’ and the ‘most dominant team in the history of the competition’, having won ‘five of the 16 editions’. The U19 World Cup is often a breeding ground for future international stars, and performances like those from Suryavanshi and Malhotra provide an exciting glimpse into India’s cricketing future. Suryavanshi’s record-breaking fifty and surpassing Kohli’s youth ODI runs milestone position him as a talent to watch closely, drawing parallels with the senior team’s batting maestro.

The match was not without its external drama, with ‘intense political friction’ and ‘ongoing off-field political tension’ between the two nations impacting events, including ‘no handshake between the two captains during toss time’ and ‘no Bangladesh Visa for Indian official’. While these tensions are regrettable, they highlight the broader significance of matches between these two cricketing nations, even at the youth level.

The performance, especially the comeback, will instill immense confidence in Ayush Mhatre’s side. The ability to win from a seemingly losing position, particularly after a rain interruption that revised the target, speaks volumes about the team’s character and strategic acumen. While the batting still has areas to improve, particularly in building sustained partnerships outside of the main contributors, the bowling depth and fighting spirit are undeniable. India’s quest for another U19 World Cup title looks well on track after this display of grit and talent.

---

Disclaimer: Cricket Mantra aggregates breaking cricket news from multiple reputable sources, enriching them with in-depth analysis and expert commentary to provide comprehensive coverage for our readers.