IND vs BAN, U19 World Cup 2026: Indian bowlers script stunning turnaround to beat Bangladesh

The Indian cricket team beat Bangladesh by 18 runs via the DLS method in its rain-interrupted U19 World Cup 2026 Group B match in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, on Saturday.

India managed 238/10 in 48.4 overs, courtesy of solid fifties from Vaibhav Suryavanshi (72 off 67 balls) and Abhigyan Kundu (80 off 112). Al Fahad was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, claiming 5/38 in 9.2 overs.

Bangladesh Under-19s were bowled out for 146 in 28.3 overs while chasing a revised target of 165 from 29 overs as India produced a disciplined bowling and fielding effort. Vihaan Malhotra (4/14 from four overs) was the standout bowler for India.

After being put into bat, India were pegged back early as skipper Ayush Mhatre and Vedant Trivedi fell in quick succession, leaving the side reeling at 12/2.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi then steadied the innings with a counter-attacking knock, striking 72 off 67 balls, laced with six fours and three sixes, to wrest back momentum.

Suryavanshi found able support in wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu, who anchored the innings with a composed 80 from 112 deliveries. The pair added a crucial 62-run stand for the fourth wicket, helping India recover from early setbacks and cross the 100-run mark.

Bangladesh struck back through Iqbal Hossain Emon, who removed Suryavanshi and Harvansh Pangalia in quick time but Kundu continued to hold one end up. Kanishk Chouhan’s 28 off 26 balls pushed India past 200.

Bangladesh’s chase began briskly but was dented early when Zawad Abrar fell in the opening over.

Rifat Beg countered with a fluent 37 off 37 balls to lift Bangladesh, adding impetus alongside captain Azizul Hakim. The pair took Bangladesh to 62/2 before India struck through Kanishk Chouhan to remove Beg at a key moment.

Hakim then assumed responsibility, compiling a patient 51 from 72 deliveries to keep Bangladesh in the hunt. However, India tightened the screws through the middle overs after rain as Vihaan Malhotra turned the contest with a decisive spell.

Despite late resistance from the lower order, Bangladesh were dismissed with three balls remaining.

Five-time champions India will play their next match at the U19 World Cup 2026 against New Zealand next Saturday.

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