In a thrilling encounter at the Under-19 World Cup Super Sixes in Bulawayo, India’s young cricketers set a formidable target of 353 runs against Zimbabwe, propelled by a magnificent century from Vihan Malhotra.
Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that initially seemed prudent as India’s openers Aaron George and Vaibhav Suryavanshi provided a solid start with 44 runs for the first wicket. George fell for 23 off 16 balls, but Suryavanshi unleashed fireworks, smashing 52 off just 30 balls with four fours and four sixes before departing.
Captain Ayush Mhatre (21) and Vedant Trivedi (15) followed soon after, leaving India at 130/4. Enter Vihan Malhotra and wicketkeeper Abhijnan Kundu, who steadied the innings with a crucial 113-run partnership for the fifth wicket, pushing the score to 243.
Kundu departed for 61 off 62 balls at that score, but Malhotra was unstoppable. He added 52 runs for the seventh wicket with RS Ambrish (21) and 47 for the eighth with Khilan Patel (30), guiding India to 352/8 in 50 overs.
Malhotra remained unbeaten on 109 off 107 balls, featuring seven fours, completing his ton in style. Zimbabwe’s Tatenda Chimugoro was the standout bowler with 3/49, supported by Simbarashe Mudzengerere (2/51) and Panashe Majaye (2/86).
India’s dominant batting display puts immense pressure on Zimbabwe’s chase in this crucial Group 2 Super Sixes clash, with the young Proteges aiming to maintain their momentum in the tournament.