Bulawayo, Zimbabwe: Off-spinner Vihaan Malhotra delivered a sensational spell of 4 for 14, triggering a dramatic batting collapse as India defeated Bangladesh by 18 runs via the DLS method in a rain-affected Under-19 World Cup Group B match on Saturday.
Bangladesh, who had earlier bowled India out for 238 in a reduced 49-over contest, appeared firmly in control of the chase before losing eight wickets for just 40 runs, squandering a winning position in dramatic fashion. The victory marked India’s second consecutive win in the tournament.
Bangladesh Collapse After Rain-Adjusted Chase
Set a revised target of 165 from 29 overs following a second rain interruption of more than 90 minutes, Bangladesh were cruising at 102 for 2 after 20 overs, well ahead of the DLS par score of 88.
What followed was a stunning turnaround.
Malhotra, who had struggled earlier with the bat (7 off 24 balls), extracted sharp turn and bounce to rip through the middle order. He removed Kalam Siddiki (15), Sheikh Parvez Jibon (7), Rizan Hossan (15) and Samiun Basir (2) in a decisive spell that completely changed the momentum of the match.
Bangladesh lost five wickets in just 33 balls, as panic set in and India seized control.
Key Dismissals Seal the Match
Left-arm spinner Khilan Patel struck the decisive blow by dismissing Bangladesh captain Azizul Hakim, who top-scored with a composed 51 off 72 balls (4 fours, 1 six). Aware of the DLS equation, Hakim attempted to clear long-on off a waist-high full toss but picked out a fielder in the deep, effectively ending Bangladesh’s resistance.
Henil Patel then cleaned up the tail by removing Iqbal Hossain Emon, as Bangladesh were bowled out for 146 in 28.3 overs, well short of the target.
Earlier: Bangladesh Start Strong in the Chase
Bangladesh’s chase began on a positive note despite an early setback when Deepesh Devendran dismissed Zawad Abrar in the opening over. A steady partnership between Rifat Beg and Hakim put Bangladesh on track, with Beg scoring an aggressive 37 off 37 balls, including four fours and a six.
With Hakim anchoring one end and the required rate under control, Bangladesh looked well placed until Malhotra’s spell turned the contest on its head.
India’s Innings Built on Kundu, Sooryavanshi Fifties
Earlier in the day, India’s innings was anchored by half-centuries from Abhigyan Kundu and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after Bangladesh opted to field in overcast conditions.
Vaibhav played a mature knock of 72 off 67 balls (6 fours, 3 sixes), curbing his attacking instincts after India lost two wickets in two deliveries early on. Kundu followed with a composed 80 off 112 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes, and capitalised on two reprieves to guide India past the 200-run mark.
The pair added 62 runs off 101 balls, stabilising the innings after a top-order collapse.
Bangladesh’s Bowling Effort
Bangladesh pacer Al Fahad had earlier laid the foundation for the contest with an impressive five-wicket haul, while skipper Azizul Hakim chipped in with 2 for 42. India were eventually bowled out for 238 in 48.4 overs after a one-hour rain interruption reduced the match to 49 overs per side.
Group B Standings Update
With this win, India lead Group B with four points from two matches. Bangladesh and the USA are yet to open their accounts, while New Zealand are still to begin their campaign.