India’s Mhatre and Ambrish Shine in Dominant Victory Against New Zealand at U19 World Cup 2026

Skipper Ayush Mhatre’s explosive 53 off 27 balls highlighted India’s dominant performance as they secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over New Zealand using the DLS method in the U-19 World Cup in Bulawayo on Saturday.

India showcased an all-around display to win the rain-affected 37-overs-per-side game effortlessly, reinforcing their strong position in the tournament with another comprehensive win.

Chasing a revised target of 130, India achieved it with ease, losing only three wickets in just 13.3 overs, clinching their third consecutive victory to lead Group B.

RS Ambrish (8-1-29-4) and Henil Patel (7.2-1-23-3) spearheaded the Indian bowling, after opting to bowl first in damp conditions, reducing New Zealand to 69 for seven. The Indian bowlers maintained pressure, eventually dismissing New Zealand for 135 in 36.2 overs.

Among the top five, only Snehith Reddy (10) managed to reach double figures for New Zealand. Despite some resilience from the lower order, the Kiwis fell short of a competitive total.

Jacob Cotter (23), Callum Samson (37), and Selwin Sanjay (28) contributed late runs for New Zealand but couldn’t dominate against India’s bowlers. Khilan Patel, Mohamed Enaan, and Kanishk Chouhan each chipped in with a wicket.

In their chase, India lost Aaron George (7) early but Vaibhav Suryavanshi (40 off 23 balls; 2 fours, 3 sixes) and Mhatre anchored the innings with a solid 76-run partnership for the second wicket.

Both batsmen struck at over 150, dismantling New Zealand’s bowling attack, which struggled to defend the target.

Although Mhatre missed a personal milestone after being caught by Mason Clarke off Jaskaran Sandhu, he finished with a brisk fifty. He was eventually dismissed for 53 off 27 balls, featuring two fours and six sixes, caught by Flynn Morey off Selwin.

Vihaan Malhotra (17 not out) and Vedant Trivedi (13 not out) ensured India’s victory, securing it halfway through the 14th over.

“The plan was simple since the ball was coming nicely onto the bat. We didn’t have a specific approach regarding the weather, just reacted to the ball,” Mhatre said post-match. “The boys are confident, and the coaches are supportive, making me proud of the team. Adapting to conditions due to weather interruptions wasn’t easy, but the boys handled it maturely, sticking to basics.”

In a Playoff match between the bottom-placed teams, Japan comfortably defeated Tanzania, chasing the 132-run target within 29 overs.

Brief scores:
New Zealand: 135 all out in 36.2 overs (Callum Samson 37; RS Ambrish 4/29, Henil Patel 3/23).
India: 130 for 3 in 13.3 overs (Vaibhav Suryavanshi 40, Ayush Mhatre 53; Selwin Sanjay 1/22).

Published on Jan 24, 2026