In a rain-soaked Under-19 World Cup encounter in Bulawayo on Saturday, India defeated Bangladesh by 18 runs via the DLS method thanks to an incredible spell of 4/14 from off-spinner Vihaan Malhotra.
Bangladesh was in complete control of the chase after bowling out India for 238 in a shortened 49-over encounter. However, they lost the match after losing eight wickets for 40 runs. India won the competition for the second time in a row. Bangladesh fell considerably short of the revised target of 165 from 29 overs, being bowled out for 146 in 28.3 overs.
With four points from two games, India presently leads group B, while the USA and Bangladesh have not yet opened their accounts. In Group B, New Zealand have not yet started their campaign.
After a second rain delay of more than an hour and thirty minutes, Bangladesh was chasing a revised target of 165 from 29 overs. At 102/2 after 20 overs, they were well ahead of the DLS par score of 88. However, Malhotra’s disciplined off-spin and timed strikes from the opposing end created a spectacular collapse that ensued.
Kalam Siddiki (15), Sheikh Parvez Jibon (7), Rizan Hossan (15), and Samiun Basir (2) were all removed in a decisive period by Malhotra, who had previously battled with the bat in his 24-ball 7.
Panic set in when Bangladesh lost five wickets in 33 balls. Bangladesh captain Azizul Hakim, who top-scored with a patient 51 off 72 balls (4×4, 1×6), was dismissed by left-arm spinner Khilan Patel, dealing the final blow.
Knowing the DLS equation, Hakim had played a calm innings until misjudging a full toss from Khilan that was waist high. Instead of clearing long-on, he picked out the fielder in the deep, therefore ending Bangladesh’s fight.
After Iqbal Hossain Emon was removed by Henil Patel, Bangladesh was bowled out for 146 in 28.3 overs, far short of the revised target, securing India’s triumph.
Bangladesh looked to be in a strong position with Hakim anchoring one end and the run-rate under control, but Malhotra’s intervention turned the tide of the game. Bangladeshi pacer Al Fahad’s excellent bowling performance earlier, which had set the stage for the match with a five-wicket haul, was overshadowed by the collapse.
Abhigyan Kundu and Vaibhav Suryavanshi led India’s innings with valiant half-centuries after Bangladesh chose to play in cloudy conditions. After India lost two wickets in two deliveries early on, Vaibhav, who is known for his attacking flair, was put into an unusually restrained role and scored a controlled 72 off 67 balls with six fours and three sixes.
In order to help India surpass 200 runs, Kundu then played a methodical knock of 80 off 112 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes while making the most of two reprieves. After a top-order meltdown, the duo stabilized the innings with 62 runs off 101 balls.
Azizul Hakim provided good support with 2/42, including the wicket of Kanishk Chouhan, who scored a fast 28 during a 54-run partnership with Kundu, while Fahad had earlier shocked India by dismissing captain Ayush Mhatre and Vedant Trivedi in short succession.
A one-hour rain delay during India’s innings shortened the match to 49 overs per side, and they were ultimately bowled out for 238 in 48.4 overs.
