Can India Maintain Their Winning Streak Against New Zealand in U19 World Cup?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In an electrifying U19 World Cup encounter, the Indian team continues to shine, overpowering New Zealand by seven wickets. Discover how India's young stars delivered a stellar performance, ensuring their place in the Super Six stage. Don't miss the highlights of this gripping match!
Key Takeaways
- India secured a seven-wicket victory against New Zealand.
- R.S. Ambrish was the standout bowler with 4 wickets.
- Ayush Mhatre led the batting with 53 runs.
- India's next matches are crucial for their Super Six stage.
- The DLS method was utilized due to rain interruptions.
Bulawayo, January 24 (NationPress) The Indian men's U19 cricket squad kept their impressive momentum alive in the 2026 ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup, achieving a seven-wicket victory against New Zealand during a rain-impacted group stage match at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, on Saturday.
New Zealand opted to bat first but faced early setbacks as fast bowler R.S. Ambrish struck with two quick wickets, concluding with remarkable figures of 4-29. Henil Patel further contributed with three dismissals, leading to New Zealand being bowled out for just 135 runs.
Although India lost Aaron George early for seven runs, their batting response remained steady. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 40 runs off 23 balls, while captain Ayush Mhatre made a significant 53 runs from 27 balls, setting the pace for the chase. Vihaan Malhotra (17 not out) and Vedant Trivedi (13 not out) then took India to victory.
New Zealand struggled to establish a strong innings, with Ambrish dismissing Hugo Bogue (4) and Tom Jones (2), leading to a dire 17/3. The situation worsened to 22/5 with the dismissals of Marco Alpe (1) and Snehith Reddy (10). Cotter emerged as the mainstay, supported by Samson and Sanjay, pushing New Zealand into three figures.
Despite the early loss of George, India maintained composure. Sooryavanshi and Mhatre, who previously had less success, formed a strong partnership to set a solid foundation for the chase. Malhotra and Trivedi then wrapped up the match with an unbeaten stand of 29 runs, securing India’s top position in Group B.
This victory places India in Group 2 for the Super Six stage, competing against England, Pakistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Zimbabwe. As five-time champions, India will face Zimbabwe next on Tuesday and go up against Pakistan on February 1.
Brief scores:
New Zealand: 135 all out in 36.2 overs (Callum Samson 37 not out, Selwin Sanjay 28; R.S. Ambrish 4-29, Henil Patel 3-23) lost to India: 130/3 in 13.3 overs (Ayush Mhatre 53, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 40; Selwin Sanjay 1-22, Mason Clarke 1-29) by seven wickets via DLS method.
Point of View
I believe this victory is a testament to the dedication and skill of the Indian U19 cricket team. Their performance not only enhances India's standing in the tournament but also inspires future generations of cricketers. The consistency exhibited in their gameplay reflects the hard work and strategic planning that has gone into their preparation.
NationPress
24/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score in the match between India and New Zealand?
India scored 130 for 3 in 13.3 overs, defeating New Zealand, who managed 135 all out in 36.2 overs.
Who were the standout players in the match?
R.S. Ambrish excelled with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 29 runs, while Ayush Mhatre scored 53 runs, leading the batting effort for India.
When does India play their next match in the U19 World Cup?
India's next match is against Zimbabwe on Tuesday, followed by a crucial game against Pakistan on February 1.
What does this victory mean for India in the tournament?
This win secures India's spot in Group 2 of the Super Six stage, enhancing their chances of progressing further in the tournament.
How did rain affect the match?
The match was rain-affected, leading to the implementation of the DLS method, which allowed India to chase a revised target.
