Dubai, Dec 16 (NationPress) In a remarkable display of talent, Abhigyan Kundu scored a monumental 209 not out off just 125 balls, steering India to a commanding victory over Malaysia in their Under-19 Asia Cup Group A encounter in Dubai. India posted a formidable total of 408 for 7 while restricting Malaysia to a mere 93 all out.

Kundu, who arrived at the crease at No. 5 during the 11th over, played a crucial role in stabilizing India’s innings. Although his double century is not officially recognized in youth ODI history, it stands among the top scores in youth cricket. The record for the highest youth ODI double century is held by South Africa's Jorich Van Schalkwyk, who scored 215 off 153 balls against Zimbabwe earlier this year, while Bangladesh's Soumya Sarkar also notched 209 off 135 balls against Qatar in 2012, but that match lacked official status as well.

Kundu took charge after Vaibhav Suryavanshi provided an explosive start with a quick 50 off 26 balls. He then built a substantial 209-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Vedant Trivedi, who contributed 90 off 106 balls. This collaboration spanned from the 11th to the 41st over, with Kundu reaching 128 off 92 balls by the time Trivedi was dismissed.

In the last 10 overs, Kundu ramped up the scoring, adding 81 runs in just 33 balls to propel India past the 400-run mark. Earlier in the tournament, he had also scored 32 not out off 17 balls against the UAE and 22 off 32 balls against Pakistan.

For Malaysia, left-arm medium pacer Muhammad Akram was the standout bowler, claiming 5 wickets for 89 runs in his ten overs, including key wickets of Suryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra, and Harvansh Pangalia.

In their reply, Malaysia faltered early, losing openers Azib Wajdi and Mohammad Hairil for ducks. Medium pacer Deepesh Devendran wreaked havoc, taking a wicket in each of his first five overs, leaving Malaysia reeling at 38 for 7. He concluded the innings with five wickets as Malaysia was all out for 93. A brief partnership of 36 runs for the tenth wicket between Hamza Panggi and Jaashwin Krishnamurthi provided a glimmer of hope, but India wrapped up the match shortly after.

This emphatic victory secures India’s position at the top of Group A, following earlier triumphs against the UAE and Pakistan. Conversely, Malaysia finds itself at the bottom of the group after suffering defeats to both teams.

Brief scores:

India U19 408/7 in 50 overs (Abhigyan Kundu 209, Vendant Trivedi 90; Muhammad Akram 5/89) defeated Malaysia U19 93 all out in 32.1 overs (Deepesh Devendran 5-22, Udhav Mohan 2-24) by 315 runs.