Henil Patel’s exceptional bowling performance, claiming five wickets, propelled India to a successful start in the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup with a six-wicket win over the USA. India, a five-time champion, chose to field first and Patel’s early breakthroughs set the tone, reducing the USA to 35/4.
India continued to dominate, with Deepesh Devendran, Ambarish RS, Khilan Patel, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also contributing wickets. Patel’s fifer helped bowl out the USA for just 107 runs in under 36 overs.
The USA, in response, made an impact by dismissing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi early, who set a new U19 World Cup record by debuting at 14 years and 294 days. Rain interruptions led to a revised target of 96 for India, who faced a shaky start losing two quick wickets.
Despite the early setbacks, Abhigyan Kundu and Vihaan Malhotra’s partnership guided India to victory with Kundu’s unbeaten 42 steering them home comfortably. India will face Bangladesh next, while the USA will play New Zealand in their upcoming matches at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
