India’s young guns fired on all cylinders, crushing Zimbabwe by 204 runs in Bulawayo on January 27 during the U19 World Cup. Vihhan Malhotra’s century stole the show, but it was the bowling symphony that orchestrated a memorable win.
Zimbabwe’s toss win and bowling choice handed India first use of a batting paradise. The visitors capitalized, reaching 352/8 in 50 overs. Malhotra’s 109 off 107 balls, adorned with 7 fours, was the highlight of a clinical batting effort.
Support came from Abhijnan Kundu, who blazed 61 off 62 with 5 fours and a six. Their 113-run fifth-wicket alliance rescued India from top-order wobbles, inflating the scoreline impressively.
The target of 353 proved mountainous. Zimbabwe folded for 148 in 37.4 overs, with Chivola’s 62 (77 balls, 7×4, 1×6) the lone bright spot. Higgins notched 37, Chimugoro 29, but the middle order crumbled.
Bowling honors went to Ayush Mhatre (3/14 in 4 overs), whose economy was as tight as his strike rate. Uddhav Mohan (3/20 in 6.4), RS Ambrish (1/19), and the Patels (1 each) completed the demolition.
Malhotra pocketed Player of the Match, capping a performance that signals India’s championship pedigree in the youth spectacle.