India Under-19 booked their place in the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup with a composed 58-run victory over Pakistan Under-19 in the Super Six clash at Bulawayo. The result not only sealed India’s qualification but also ended Pakistan’s campaign in the tournament.
On a surface that gradually became more challenging to bat on, India showed better adaptability and depth, especially in pressure moments. Despite losing early wickets and being pushed back by disciplined bowling spells, the Indian middle and lower order ensured the total crossed the 250 mark — a score that ultimately proved decisive.
India’s innings was anchored by Vedant Trivedi, who played a patient knock, absorbing pressure after early losses. He found valuable support from Kanishk Chouhan and RS Ambrish, while late contributions from the lower order stretched the total beyond Pakistan’s comfort zone. Pakistan’s bowlers created chances but lapses in the field and lack of control at the death allowed India to add crucial runs in the final overs.
Chasing a revised target that demanded a higher scoring rate due to qualification scenarios, Pakistan began cautiously. While Usman Khan played a fighting innings and Zahoor Ahmad added stability, the required intent never truly materialised. The pitch slowed considerably as the game progressed, and India’s spinners exploited the conditions effectively.
Once Pakistan lost their captain during a promising partnership, the chase unraveled quickly. India tightened the field, rotated their bowlers smartly, and forced mistakes through sustained pressure. Ayush Mhatre and Khilan Patel were particularly effective, striking at key moments to trigger a collapse that ended Pakistan’s hopes.
The final phase saw Pakistan lose wickets in clusters, unable to counter the turn and variable bounce. India’s bowling unit remained disciplined, conceding few easy runs and closing out the match with authority.
With this win, India finished as group leaders and advanced confidently into the semi-finals, having demonstrated tactical awareness and squad depth. Pakistan, meanwhile, will reflect on missed opportunities with both bat and ball as their Under-19 World Cup journey came to an abrupt end.
Brief Score
India Under-19 252 all out
Pakistan Under-19 194 all out (46.2 overs)
India Under-19 won by 58 runs
