India Under-19s Defeat Pakistan to Enter World Cup Semifinals
India completes semifinal line-up in Under-19 World Cup
India secured the fourth and final semifinal berth of the 2026 Under-19 World Cup after a controlled 58-run win over Pakistan at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. The result sets up a semifinal clash against Afghanistan, with India leaning on discipline rather than dominance across both innings.
On a surface that demanded patience, India posted 252 in 49.5 overs before bowling Pakistan out for 194 in 46.2 overs. The contest was shaped as much by Pakistan’s hesitant chase as by India’s sustained control through spin.
Trivedi anchors recovery after early collapse
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India’s innings began briskly through Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who struck 30 off 22 balls to lift the score to 47. Momentum swung sharply when Pakistan struck three times in five deliveries, leaving India 47 for 3.
Vedant Trivedi steadied the innings with a composed knock, adding 62 with Vihaan Malhotra. Trivedi’s 68 off 98 balls prioritised occupation over acceleration, with minimal risk on a surface offering little carry or pace.
India slipped again after Abhigyan Kundu fell for 16, and at 182 for 6 in the 41st over, the total looked modest. Kanishk Chouhan and Khilan Patel changed the tone late, adding 50 runs in 31 balls to push India past 250.
Pakistan chase drifts despite the qualification scenario
Pakistan’s pursuit never settled into a defined plan. With net run rate calculations allowing qualification by chasing 252 in 33.3 overs, the innings lacked urgency. Hamza Zahoor’s 42 off 49 and Usman Khan’s early stability took Pakistan to 56 for 1 in the PowerPlay.
The tempo dipped sharply after Zahoor was bowled sweeping Chouhan. Dot balls mounted, with Pakistan playing 80 dots in the first 21 overs. A 35-ball boundary drought underlined the stall before Farhan Yousaf briefly countered.
Usman continued to bat deep but struggled to lift the rate, making 66 off 92 balls. His dismissal, followed by quick wickets, triggered a collapse. Pakistan lost their last six wickets for 26 runs.
Spin closes out disciplined Indian effort
Captain Ayush Mhatre’s timely spell proved decisive as he removed Ahmed Hussain with his first delivery. Khilan Patel and Vihaan Malhotra supported effectively as Pakistan’s chase faded without a final push.
Brief scores: India 252 in 49.5 overs (Vedant Trivedi 68, Kanishk Chouhan 35; Abdul Subhan 3-33) beat Pakistan 194 in 46.2 overs (Usman Khan 66; Ayush Mhatre 3-21, Khilan Patel 3-35) by 58 runs.
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