- India edge Bangladesh in rain-hit Bulawayo thriller
- Sri Lanka shatter records with 203-run demolition of Japan
- Group stages deliver drama and dominance in equal measure
India tightened their grip on qualification for the Super 6s of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup with a composed 18-run DLS victory over Bangladesh in a rain-affected Group B clash in Bulawayo, while Sri Lanka produced one of the most destructive batting performances in tournament history to crush Japan by 203 runs in Windhoek.
India edge Bangladesh in rain-hit thriller
Put in to bat, India suffered early setbacks as Al Fahad struck twice inside the powerplay, removing Ayush Mhatre and Vedant Trivedi. India’s recovery was led by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who counter-attacked with a fluent 72 off 67 balls, before Bangladesh clawed back through regular wickets.
Stability arrived through Abhigyan Kundu, whose commanding 80-run knock anchored the innings, supported effectively by Kanishk Chouhan’s brisk 28 off 26 balls. India eventually posted 238, with one over lost to rain, as Al Fahad emerged as Bangladesh’s standout bowler with an impressive 5 for 38.
Bangladesh’s chase began steadily despite the early loss of Zawad Abrar, with Rifat Beg and captain Azizul Tamim adding 56 runs. Rain then intervened, reducing the contest to 29 overs and revising Bangladesh’s target to 165.
India’s bowlers responded superbly after the restart, tightening lines and raising the pressure. While Tamim fought valiantly with a half-century, wickets fell at the other end, largely due to Vihaan Malhotra’s decisive four-wicket spell, which swung the contest India’s way. Bangladesh ultimately fell 18 runs short, handing India their second win of the tournament.
India will next face New Zealand, while Bangladesh turn their attention to USA.
Sri Lanka smash records in Windhoek
In Windhoek, Sri Lanka delivered a batting exhibition of historic proportions in their opening match, piling up 387 for 4 against Japan, their second-highest total in U-19 World Cup history.
Openers Dimantha Mahavithana and Viran Chamuditha dismantled the Japanese attack with a monumental 328-run partnership, the highest partnership ever recorded at an Under-19 World Cup. The pair struck an astonishing 37 boundaries, leaving Japan searching for answers.
Mahavithana’s brilliant innings ended at 115, but Chamuditha continued his assault, rewriting the record books by surpassing Hasith Boyagoda’s long-standing mark of 191 to register the highest individual score in U-19 World Cup history. Captain Vimath Dinsara’s explosive 44 off 24 balls ensured Sri Lanka finished with maximum momentum.
Japan’s reply faltered early as Sethmika Seneviratne struck with the second ball of the innings. Despite a lone, courageous stand from Hugo Tani-Kelly, who finished unbeaten on 101, Sri Lanka’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure to seal a commanding 203-run victory.
Sri Lanka will face Ireland next, while Japan prepare for a stern challenge against Australia.
