The much-anticipated Ind vs ban match in the ICC Under-19 World Cup witnessed an unexpected interruption on Tuesday as persistent rain forced play to be halted midway through India’s innings. Despite challenging conditions in Bulawayo, India’s young cricketers showcased resilience, determination, and emerging star power, with Abhigyan Kundu and Vaibhav Suryavanshi delivering standout performances before the weather intervened.
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to exploit early movement and overcast conditions. Their decision appeared justified in the opening phase, as Indian batters found scoring difficult on a sluggish surface. However, individual brilliance ensured India remained competitive before rain brought proceedings to a temporary standstill.
At the time play was stopped, India were placed at 192 for 6 in 39 overs, with Abhigyan Kundu and RS Ambarish unbeaten at the crease. Kundu, in particular, displayed maturity beyond his years, crafting a vital half-century under pressure that steadied India’s innings.
Early Setbacks for India in Testing Conditions
India’s innings began on a cautious note, with Bangladesh bowlers maintaining disciplined lines and extracting assistance from the pitch. The Indian top order struggled to build momentum, resulting in early wickets that put the team on the back foot.
Captain Ayush Mhatre failed to make a significant impact, departing for just 6 runs, while Vihan Malhotra managed only 7 before being dismissed. The situation worsened when Vedant Trivedi was sent back without opening his account, leaving India reeling in the early overs.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack remained relentless, and Harvansh Pangalia could add only 2 runs before being caught off the bowling of Iqbal Hossain, who proved to be a key threat throughout the spell.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Historic Innings
Amid the collapse, Vaibhav Suryavanshi emerged as India’s beacon of hope. The 14-year-old prodigy produced a remarkable innings, scoring 72 runs with composure, confidence, and controlled aggression. His knock not only stabilized India’s innings but also etched his name into the record books.
During the course of this Ind vs ban match, Vaibhav surpassed Virat Kohli’s long-standing record of 978 runs in Youth One-Day Internationals for India. With this innings, he crossed the prestigious 1,000-run mark in Youth ODIs, a milestone rarely achieved at such a young age.
This achievement underlined Vaibhav’s growing reputation as one of the most promising talents in Indian cricket. His ability to perform on the global stage, particularly in high-pressure tournaments like the Under-19 World Cup, has already drawn attention from fans and selectors alike.
Vaibhav’s innings eventually came to an end when he was dismissed by Iqbal Hossain, but not before laying a strong foundation for India’s total.
Abhigyan Kundu Anchors the Innings
Following Vaibhav’s departure, wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu took on the responsibility of anchoring the innings. Demonstrating excellent shot selection and patience, Kundu compiled a crucial fifty, guiding India through a difficult middle phase.
Batting in challenging conditions against a disciplined bowling attack, Kundu’s knock was a lesson in temperament and adaptability. His unbeaten partnership with RS Ambarish helped India recover from early losses and approach a competitive total before rain interrupted play.
Ambarish also provided valuable support at the other end, rotating the strike effectively and ensuring Bangladesh could not run through the lower order.
Also read: Under 19 ODI World Cup 2026 Schedule-हिन्दी मे पढ़े
Bangladesh Bowlers Make Key Contributions
Bangladesh’s bowlers delivered a commendable performance in this rain-affected Ind vs ban match. Al Fahad was the standout performer, picking up two crucial wickets and consistently troubling Indian batters with pace and movement.
Iqbal Hossain’s spell was equally impactful, accounting for both Harvansh Pangalia and Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The rest of the Bangladeshi bowling unit maintained pressure, forcing India into errors and preventing free scoring.
Despite India’s recovery, Bangladesh will feel encouraged by their ability to take wickets at regular intervals and keep the scoring rate in check.
Rain Brings Play to a Halt
Just as India seemed to be building momentum in the latter half of the innings, rain clouds gathered over Bulawayo, forcing officials to suspend play. With India at 192/6 after 39 overs, the interruption added uncertainty to the contest, as revised targets or reduced overs could come into play depending on weather conditions.
Fans and teams alike now await further updates, with both sides eager to resume play and push for a strong finish in this crucial Under-19 World Cup encounter.
Playing XI
India Under-19:
Ayush Mhatre (Captain), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi, Vihan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu (Wicketkeeper), Harvansh Pangalia, RS Ambarish, Kanishk Chauhan, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Khilan Patel.
Bangladesh Under-19:
Azizul Hakim Tamim (Captain), Rifat Baig, Jawad Abrar, Kalam Siddiqui Alin, Mohammad Rizan Hossain, Mohammad Farid Hassan Faisal, Mohammad Samiun Basir Ratul, Sheikh Pawez Jibon, Al Fahad, Saad Islam Rajin, Iqbal Hossain.
As the Ind vs ban match hangs in the balance due to rain, the contest has already delivered moments of high drama, historic milestones, and impressive performances from cricket’s next generation. All eyes will now be on the weather and match officials as fans hope for a full and thrilling conclusion to this exciting Under-19 World Cup clash.
