(Online Desk)
India booked their spot in the semi-final of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, after Pakistan failed to chase down 253 inside 33.4 overs in their Super Six clash.
India will face Afghanistan in the semi-final at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on February 4.
India remained unbeaten in the tournament so far, right through the group stage as well as in the Super Six stage.
India triumphed over the United States in their opening match on January 15, winning by six wickets under the DLS method due to rain. The USA managed 107 runs, with Nitish Sundini contributing 36, while Henil Patel excelled with the ball, claiming five wickets. India comfortably chased the revised target, with Abhigyan Kundu scoring an unbeaten 42, earning Patel the Player of the Match title.
On January 17, India faced Bangladesh, posting 238 runs largely thanks to Kundu’s solid 80. Bangladesh were bowled out for 146, with Vihaan Malhotra taking four wickets, securing victory via the DLS method. Malhotra was named Player of the Match.
India then defeated New Zealand on January 24 by seven wickets in another rain-affected game. RS Ambrish took four wickets to limit New Zealand to 135, and Ayush Mhatre’s swift 53 helped India chase the target with ease.
In the final match on January 27, India dominated Zimbabwe, scoring a massive 352 runs. Vihaan Malhotra smashed an unbeaten 109, and Zimbabwe were bowled out for 148, resulting in a huge 204-run victory for India. Malhotra was again named Player of the Match, capping off a flawless series for India.
In their last Super Six match. India were bowled out for 252 but Pakistan failed to chase down the target in 33.4 overs to qualify for the semis. India eventually won the game by 58 runs.
