India’s Under‑19 cricket team secured an 18‑run victory over Bangladesh in a rain‑interrupted Group B match at Queens Sports Club, using the Duckworth‑Lewis‑Stern method to set a revised target of 224. Ayush Mhatre’s 57‑run innings and a late‑order surge propelled India to 238/6, while the bowlers restricted Bangladesh to 146 all out.
First Innings Overview
Batting Highlights
After winning the toss, India elected to bat and posted 238 for 6 in 48.4 overs. Opener Ayush Mhatre anchored the innings with a composed 57, partnering with Arjun Kumar (45) to steady the middle order. The lower order added firepower, notably Dev Sharma’s 30 off 16 balls, pushing the total beyond the 200‑run mark.
Bowling Contributions
India’s bowlers kept the pressure on early, with Rohan Patel and Akash Singh breaking through Bangladesh’s top order. Their disciplined lines set the tone for a defensive effort that would later prove decisive.
Bangladesh Chase and DLS Adjustment
Early Wickets
Bangladesh began their chase under clear skies, but a mid‑innings rain delay triggered the DLS calculation, revising the target to 224 runs from 41 overs. India struck quickly: Patel dismissed opener Mohammad Rafiq for a duck, and Singh removed captain Mahmud Hossain, unsettling the chase.
Spin Dominance
Spin maestro Vikram Rathore turned the ball sharply, claiming 3 for 21 in 7 overs. Combined with Patel’s 4 for 35, Bangladesh collapsed to 146 all out in 28.3 overs, well short of the DLS target.
Turning Point – Late Surge
With the score at 180‑4, a rain‑delay alarm sounded. Rather than stall, India accelerated, adding 58 runs in the final 10 overs. Mhatre’s steady strike‑rate and Sharma’s power‑hitting ensured the total remained defendable after the DLS revision, turning a modest score into a winning one.
Group B Impact and Future Fixtures
Points Table Shift
- India: 4 points – now top of Group B.
- Bangladesh: 2 points – must win remaining games to stay in contention.
- Pakistan and South Africa sit on 3 points each, keeping the group race tight.
Upcoming Matches
India’s next challenge is against Australia, a test that will examine the young side’s ability to handle a high‑pace attack led by prodigy Jake Morrison. Bangladesh must regroup quickly, focusing on strengthening its middle order against spin before facing Sri Lanka and Kenya.
Key Takeaways
The rain‑hit encounter showcased the volatility of youth cricket, where a single over can shift momentum dramatically. India’s resilience—recovering from a modest start, accelerating under pressure, and defending a DLS‑adjusted total—highlights the depth of talent emerging from its cricket academies. As the Under‑19 World Cup 2026 progresses, performances like this set the stage for a tournament filled with high‑octane, nail‑biting finishes.
