Steyn-Inspired Henil Patel Five Wicket Haul Lifts India In U19 World Cup

Henil Patel does not hide his admiration for Dale Steyn. He studies his aggression and always tries to mirror the mindset. When the ball was new and the pitch still fresh, the influence showed in sharp bursts rather than words.

At Queens Sports Club, Patel hit hard and early. Three wickets fell before the USA batting could settle, and the scoreboard told one story. Figures of 5 for 16 followed, the Henil Patel five wicket haul standing among India’s finest spells at this level. Only Kamal Passi and Anukul Roy have gone past it in tournament history. Not bad company for an 18-year-old starting his campaign.

Numbers That Carry Weight

Patel attacked the stumps, and the spell reduced USA to 34 for 4, and the contest slipped away before it could breathe. He kept his length honest and his pace lively. 

That approach has long been India’s currency at the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup, and Patel fitted right in.

Eyes on Bangladesh

India’s chase brought a few raised eyebrows, with four wickets lost while hunting 108. Captain Ayush Mhatre admitted the job dragged longer than it should have. 

Next up comes Bangladesh, again in Bulawayo, and the points table is already taking shape. Another sharp start could seal early control of the group. And with the India U19 World Cup rhythm building, Patel’s opening burst has given India a weapon others will be watching closely.

For now, Henil Patel five wicket haul has done more than win a match. It has announced a bowler ready to set the tone from ball one.