India pulled off a dramatic 18-run victory over Bangladesh in a rain-hit Group ‘B’ encounter of the ICC U-19 World Cup at Queens Sports Club on Saturday.
Chasing a revised target of 165 in 29 overs, Bangladesh appeared in control at 106-2. However, a middle-order collapse, triggered by off-spinner Vihaan Malhotra’s 4 for 14, saw them bowled out for 146. Skipper Azizul Hakim’s valiant 51 and Rifat Beg’s 37 were the only notable contributions in the defeat.
Earlier, India posted 238 in 48.4 overs, anchored by wicket-keeper Abhigyan Kundu (80) and 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi (72). Suryavanshi made history as the youngest player to score a U-19 World Cup half-century. Bangladesh pacer Al Fahad claimed a clinical 5 for 38. Notably, despite pre-match tensions where players avoided handshakes at the toss, both sides observed the tradition following the match.
In Windhoek, Sri Lanka thrashed Japan by 203 runs, setting two major tournament records. Openers Viran Chamuditha (192) and Dimantha Mahavithana (115) shared a 328-run opening stand—the highest partnership for any wicket in U-19 World Cup history.
Chamuditha’s 192 also became the highest individual score in the tournament’s history, surpassing the previous record of 191.
