NEW DELHI: The Indian Under-19 cricket team maintained their formidable momentum in the ongoing Under-19 World Cup with a comprehensive seven-wicket triumph over New Zealand, achieved through the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method on Saturday. This victory, marked by clinical bowling and aggressive batting, solidified India's position at the summit of Group B with three consecutive wins.
Rain Interrupts Play, India Opt to Bowl First
The match, initially scheduled for a full 50 overs, was curtailed to 37 overs per side due to persistent rain interruptions. Winning the toss, Indian skipper Ayush Mhatre made a strategic decision to field first in damp, bowler-friendly conditions. This choice proved astute as the Indian bowling attack capitalized on the moisture-laden pitch from the outset.
Bowlers Dominate as New Zealand Stumble Early
India's bowlers delivered a disciplined and penetrative performance, never allowing the New Zealand batters to establish any rhythm. RS Ambrish emerged as the standout performer, delivering a magnificent spell of 8 overs, conceding only 29 runs while claiming 4 crucial wickets. He received excellent support from Henil Patel, who bowled with precision to finish with figures of 7.2 overs, 23 runs, and 3 wickets.
The New Zealand innings never gained traction, collapsing to a precarious 69 for 7. Among the top order, only Snehith Reddy managed to reach double figures with a score of 10. A late fightback from the lower order, led by Callum Samson (37), Jacob Cotter (23), and Selwin Sanjay (28), provided some resistance. However, the Indian bowlers, including contributions of one wicket each from Khilan Patel, Mohamed Enaan, and Kanishk Chouhan, bundled out New Zealand for a modest total of 135 runs in 36.2 overs.
Mhatre's Blitzkrieg Seals the Chase
Set a revised target of 130 runs under the DLS method, India's chase began with a minor setback as opener Aaron George departed early for 7 runs. However, this did not deter the Indian batters. Captain Ayush Mhatre, leading by example, combined with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to forge a match-winning 76-run partnership for the second wicket.
Sooryavanshi played a blistering cameo, scoring 40 runs off just 23 deliveries, which included two boundaries and three maximums. After his dismissal, Mhatre took center stage, unleashing a ferocious assault on the New Zealand bowling. He raced to a spectacular half-century, reaching 53 runs from a mere 27 balls, an innings decorated with two fours and an impressive six sixes.
Comfortable Finish for India
Following Mhatre's departure, the pair of Vihaan Malhotra and Vedant Trivedi ensured there were no further hiccups. They navigated the chase with calm assurance, guiding India to the target of 130 for the loss of only three wickets in a rapid 13.3 overs. This emphatic victory not only showcased India's all-round strength but also highlighted their adaptability in rain-affected conditions, sending a strong message to other contenders in the tournament.
