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Under-19 World Cup: India’s Under-19 men’s cricket team continued its commanding run at the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup with a comprehensive 204-run victory over host nation Zimbabwe. The result marked India’s fourth consecutive win of the tournament and kept their unbeaten record intact, further strengthening their position as one of the strongest contenders in the competition.

A Landmark Win Without Weather Interference

Unlike some of their earlier matches, this victory came without any influence from the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern method, offering India valuable time in the middle under standard conditions. It was also the first occasion in the tournament that the team batted through the full 50 overs, posting a formidable total of 352 for eight. The score proved far beyond Zimbabwe’s reach and underlined India’s growing confidence as the knockout stages approach.

Batting Depth on Full Display

India’s innings highlighted the depth and balance within the squad. The total of 352 runs stands as the fourth-highest score recorded in this edition of the Under-19 World Cup so far. The batting unit showed patience early on and acceleration in the latter overs, a combination that has become a hallmark of their campaign. This performance offered a clear indication that the side is peaking at the right moment.

Malhotra Anchors the Innings

Vihaan Malhotra emerged as the central figure with the bat, delivering a composed yet authoritative unbeaten century. His 109 not out earned him the Player of the Match award and provided the innings with stability from start to finish. Malhotra’s ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries when needed ensured that India maintained pressure throughout the innings.

Captain Praises Team Confidence

Captain Ayush Mhatre was quick to acknowledge Malhotra’s contribution after the match, pointing to the batter’s consistent form during the build-up to the tournament. He noted that Malhotra’s confidence has been evident for some time and that the team has trusted his role at the top of the order. According to Mhatre, such performances reinforce the collective belief within the squad.

Bowlers Seal a Clinical Finish

India’s dominance extended into their bowling effort, where the attack wasted little time dismantling Zimbabwe’s chase. Mhatre led from the front with three wickets for 14 runs from four overs. He received strong support from Udhav Mohan, who claimed three for 20, and R.S. Ambrish, who picked up two for 19. The disciplined bowling display ensured that Zimbabwe were never able to build momentum.

Momentum Building Toward Knockout Stages

Reflecting on the match, Mhatre described the performance as a confidence booster and emphasized the importance of carrying this momentum forward. With victories already secured against the USA, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, India now find themselves on the brink of confirming a semi-final berth, depending on other group results.

Focus Shifts to High-Profile Clash

Attention will now turn to India’s next fixture against traditional rivals Pakistan, a contest that is expected to draw significant attention. Despite the occasion, the captain stressed that the team intends to remain focused on its own processes rather than the opposition. The message from the camp is clear: maintain discipline, play to strengths, and avoid distractions as the tournament enters its decisive phase.