• India shattered Pakistan’s U19 World Cup hopes with a dominant 58-run victory.

  • Kanishk Chouhan was adjudged Player of the Match for his exceptional all-round heroics.

Fans go crazy as India send Pakistan packing from U19 World Cup 2026 and qualify for the semis
Fans go crazy as India send Pakistan packing from U-19 World Cup 2026 and qualify for the semis (Image source: X)

The historic Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo became the epicenter of cricketing nerves and unbridled joy on February 1, 2026. In a high-stakes Super Sixes, Group 2 encounter of the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup, India Under-19s didn’t just win a match; they claimed bragging rights by eliminating arch-rivals Pakistan with a clinical 58-run victory. The 36th match of the tournament lived up to its billing, as the Young Blues displayed nerves of steel to defend a competitive total, sparking celebrations across the Indian diaspora.

Vedant Trivedi and the late-order surge set the tone for India

After winning the toss and electing to bat, India faced an immediate storm. Pakistan’s bowling spearhead, Mohammad Sayyam, struck gold in the 8th over, removing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (30) and captain Ayush Mhatre (0) in back-to-back deliveries. When Abdul Subhan cleaned up Aaron George shortly after, India was reeling at 47/3.

However, the middle order showed immense character. Vedant Trivedi became the anchor India desperately needed. His patient yet authoritative 68 off 98 balls stabilized the innings. Trivedi found able partners in Vihaan Malhotra (21) and Abhigyan Kundu (16), taking India past the 150-mark.

The real momentum shift occurred in Powerplay 3. Just as Pakistan looked to wrap up the tail, Kanishk Chouhan (35) and Khilan Patel (21) unleashed a blistering 50-run partnership for the 8th wicket in just 30 balls. This late-innings assault pushed India to a formidable 252 all out in 49.5 overs. Subhan was the pick of the Pakistani bowlers, finishing with figures of 3/33, but the psychological damage of the late-order runs was already done.

Ayush Mhatre and Khilan Patel choke Pakistan’s chase

Pakistan’s response started with intent but lacked the discipline required for a chase of 253. Despite an early hiccup losing Sameer Minhas for 9, Hamza Zahoor (42) and Usman Khan built a solid foundation. Usman, in particular, looked dangerous, reaching a well-crafted half-century (66 off 92 balls) and keeping Pakistan in the hunt at 151/2.

The turning point arrived in the 30th over when RS Ambrish dismissed the Pakistani captain, Farhan Yousaf, for 38. This sparked a catastrophic collapse. India’s captain, Mhatre, compensated for his duck with the bat by turning the game with the ball. His tactical off-spin accounted for three crucial wickets, including the set Usman, finishing with elite figures of 3/21.

The pressure from Chouhan (1/30 in 10 overs) created a stranglehold that Pakistan couldn’t break. Patel then polished off the tail, taking 3 wickets for 35 runs. Pakistan lost their final 8 wickets for just 43 runs, eventually folding for 194 in 46.2 overs. As the final wicket fell, the stadium erupted, confirming Pakistan’s exit from the tournament and India’s dominance in the age-group category.

Also WATCH: Indian captain Ayush Mhatre avoids handshake with Pakistan skipper at toss in U19 World Cup 2026

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Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Ayush Badoni and Priyansh Arya included in India A squad for warm-up matches 

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About the Author:
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on , , and .