Bangladesh Under-19 produced a disciplined bowling display, led by Al Fahad’s five-wicket haul, to restrict India Under-19 to 238 in a rain-affected ICC Under-19 World Cup match at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.
In their opening fixture of the tournament, Bangladesh, captained by Azizul Hakim, were assisted by both tight bowling and repeated rain interruptions. Showers delayed the toss and later reduced the contest to 49 overs per side. Even then, India were unable to complete their full allocation and were bowled out in 48.4 overs.
India, sent in to bat after losing the toss, were 192 for 6 after 39 overs when rain halted play. At that stage, Abhigyan Kundu (63 not out) and R S Ambrish (4 not out) were well placed to accelerate in the closing overs. Heavy rain delayed the restart by almost an hour, cutting one over from the innings. When play resumed, Bangladesh struck regularly, with India losing four wickets for just 46 runs in the final 10 overs.
India’s innings unfolded in two clear phases. The first revolved around opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who made a brisk 72 from 67 balls, hitting three sixes and six fours. Bangladesh, however, ensured he never fully broke free. He was caught attempting another six off Iqbal Hossain in the 26.2nd over. At that point, Kundu was 22 off 56 balls and then took responsibility for guiding the innings.
Bangladesh had earlier made an excellent start with the new ball. Ayush Matre (6), Vedant Trivedi (0) and Bihan Malhotra (7) were all dismissed inside the first 10 overs. Al Fahad removed Matre and Trivedi, while Azizul Hakim accounted for Malhotra. Suryavanshi and Kundu added 62 for the fourth wicket to steady India.
After Suryavanshi’s departure, Kundu shared a 54-run stand for the sixth wicket with Kanishk Chauhan. Chauhan made 28 before being dismissed by Azizul in the 35.5th over, after which India failed to build any meaningful partnerships.
Bangladesh tightened their grip after the rain break. Sheikh Parvez struck in the very first over on resumption, removing Ambrish for 5. India managed only one boundary in the next six overs. Kundu was eventually dismissed for 80 off 112 balls, having hit a six off Al Fahad in the 47th over shortly before his exit.
Al Fahad was the standout performer, finishing with 5 for 38, while Iqbal Hossain and Azizul Hakim claimed two wickets apiece.
Bangladesh now need 239 runs to defeat India and begin their Under-19 World Cup campaign with a win.
