U19 WC: Vihaan Malhotra Leads Ind to Massive 204-Run Victory Over Zim

India U19 batted first and set an imposing target of 352/8 in 50 overs. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played a blistering 52 off 30 balls, while skipper Ayush Mhatre contributed 21 runs. The innings was anchored by Vihaan Malhotra, who scored an unbeaten 109 off 107 balls, striking seven fours.

Abhigyan Kundu added a vital 61, ensuring that India kept up a high-scoring tempo throughout. The Indian innings included multiple partnerships, including a 100-run stand for the fifth wicket between Malhotra and Kundu, which propelled the team past 250 with authority. Extras also contributed 15 runs, reflecting tight Zimbabwean bowling.

Chasing a massive 353, Zimbabwe U19 never recovered from the early blows. RS Ambrish was particularly effective, taking 2/19 in 6 overs, while Udhav Mohan claimed 3/20 in 6.4 overs. Khilan Patel and Henil Patel also chipped in with crucial wickets to maintain relentless pressure.

Zimbabwe’s top-order struggled immediately, losing Nathaniel Hlabangana for a duck and Dhruv Patel for 8. Despite Kian Blignaut’s 37 and Leeroy Chiwaula’s 62, Zimbabwe never threatened to chase the total, and the lower order collapsed under tight Indian bowling. They were eventually bowled out for 148 in 37.4 overs, handing India a massive 204-run victory.

Vihaan Malhotra’s unbeaten 109 earned him the Player of the Match award.

The emphatic win strengthens India U19’s position in Group 2 of the Super Sixes and boosts their net run rate ahead of their next matches. With both the batting and bowling departments firing, India will head into the upcoming fixtures with high confidence.