Malhotra’s 4/14 sparks India’s win over Bangladesh in U19 World Cup

India defeated Bangladesh by 18 runs via the DLS method in the U19 World Cup at Bulawayo. Vihaan Malhotra’s 4 for 14 and Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s 72 powered India, while Bangladesh collapsed after being 102 for 2 in 20 overs

Bulawayo: A stirring all-round effort from Vihaan Malhotra (4 for 14), backed by a blazing half-century from Vaibhav Suryavanshi (72), powered India to an 18-run victory over Bangladesh via the DLS method in their second match of the tournament at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.

After losing two wickets in the third over, India struggled early as captain Ayush Mhatre was dismissed for 6 and Vedant Trivedi made a golden duck. As wickets continued to fall, Suryavanshi remained calm and played an aggressive innings with regular boundaries.

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Near the end of the powerplay, Bangladesh struck again when they dismissed Malhotra for 7. Suryavanshi reached his fifty in just 30 balls and looked to revive India with the partnership of Abhigyan Kundu.

Just as India looked to recover, Iqbal Hossain Emon took two wickets in quick succession, including the key wicket of Suryavanshi (72). Kundu continued India’s charge and scored an impressive 80 before rain caused the first stoppage, reducing the match to 49 overs a side. India were eventually bowled out for 238.

Bangladesh began poorly, losing a wicket in the first over, but recovered to reach 54 in 10 overs. Rain again delayed play, and the revised target was set at 165 from 29 overs.

At 102 for 2 after 20 overs, Bangladesh looked in control. Malhotra’s return ended a 44-run stand and triggered a collapse. Skipper Azizul Hakim Tamim scored a fighting fifty, but Khilan Patel dismissed him, and Bangladesh lost their last eight wickets for just 40 runs. Henil Patel took the final wicket as India sealed an impressive 18-run win.