India’s U-19 World Cup title defence shifted into a higher gear on Tuesday as the, Boys in Blue, dismantled hosts Zimbabwe by 204 runs in their opening Super Six clash. A flawless century by middle-order stalwart Vihaan Malhotra and an explosive start from batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, led to the victory.
India’s strategy was a blend of modern-day aggression and old-school anchor play. Vaibhav Suryavanshi set the tone early, bludgeoning a 24-ball half-century; levelling with his skipper, Ayush Mhatre, for the second-fastest fifty of the 2026 tournament.
However, when India hit a minor snag at 101/3, it was Vihaan Malhotra who took centre stage. Having entered the game with a top score of just 18 in the group stages, Malhotra played with a composure that belied the situation, rotating strike and punishing the profligate Panashe Mazai (0/86).
The anchor: Finished on 109 off 107 balls*, his maiden World Cup century.
Kundu connection: Wicketkeeper Abhigyan Kundu (61 off 62) continued his sublime form, sharing a 113-run stand for the fifth wicket.
The finish: A late-innings blitz from Khilan Patel (30 off 12) saw India breach the 350-mark in the final over.
Zimbabwe’s chase never truly left the station. Despite a gritty 69-run stand between Leeroy Chiwaula (62) and Kian Blignaut (son of former all-rounder Andy Blignaut), the required run rate became an insurmountable mountain.
The end was swift and brutal. Once Chiwaula fell to debutant Udhav Mohan, the Zimbabwean lower order evaporated. Zimbabwe lost their last six wickets for just six runs, collapsing from 142/4 to 148 all out.
India’s "all-win" record in the group stage gave them a four-point head start in the Super Six (points against qualified teams Bangladesh and New Zealand were carried over).
India: 6 Points (+NRR)
Pakistan: 6 Points (Defeated NZ by 8 wickets on Tuesday)
Bangladesh: 2 Points
New Zealand: 2 Points
