Bulawayo witnessed a batting masterclass from India’s Under-19 side as they amassed 352/8 against Zimbabwe in the Super Sixes stage, thanks to Vihan Malhotra’s gritty unbeaten 109.
Electing to field, Zimbabwe saw India open steadily. Aaron George and Vaibhav Suryavanshi laid the foundation with 44 runs before George was dismissed for 23 (16 balls). Suryavanshi then exploded, racing to 52 off 30 deliveries laced with boundaries and maximums.
Quick dismissals of skipper Ayush Mhatre (21) and Vedant Trivedi (15) had India reeling at 130/4. Vihan Malhotra and Abhijnan Kundu rescued the innings, forging a 113-run stand that took the score to 243. Kundu’s 61 (62 balls) ended there, but Malhotra marched on.
Partnerships with RS Ambrish (52 runs for seventh wicket) and Khilan Patel (47 for eighth) propelled India past 350. Malhotra’s 109* off 107 balls, with seven fours, anchored the massive total.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers toiled hard, led by Chimugoro’s 3/49 in eight overs, Mudzengerere’s 2/51, and Majaye’s expensive 2/86. Dhruv Patel chipped in with one scalp.
This imposing total sets up an exciting chase, testing Zimbabwe’s batting depth while showcasing India’s rising stars’ potential on the global stage.
