Vihaan Malhotra spun India to an 18-run win (DLS method) over Bangladesh in the ICC Under-19 World Cup at Bulawayo on Saturday. Two substantial rain interruptions had almost threatened to disrupt the game. However, with the weather relenting and the target revised to 165 off 29 overs for Bangladesh to get, there was plenty of drama on the field.
Bangladesh had to keep their eye on the DLS par as well as try to balance their require run-rate. This led to a bit of confusion but with captain Azizul Hakim going strong it looked as if Bangladesh were all set for an upset win. However, Vihaan changed the complexion of the game. He took four for 14, which included a superb catch, to seal the issue in India’s favour.
From 126 for four, Bangladesh lost six wickets for 20 runs to hand over full points to India.
Opener Rifat Beg (37) and Hakim (51; 72 balls, 4×4, 1×6) were the only batters who stood up to the Indian bowlers. The others were just not able to adjust to the demands of the situation and succumbed to the pressure. India as a whole fielded excellently, and ultimately held their nerves the best.
“It’s nerve wracking, but being on the winning side is great. The discussion [after the rain interruption] was positive and it was about instilling in us that we can do anything. [approach?] The plan was to limit boundaries at the end, and I backed my strength of bowling yorkers at the end. I backed my skill that I could defend this score, and just believe in God. Playing a game like this, we chose cricket to play in games like this, and it’s a great opportunity to be in one,” said Player of the Match Vihaan after the game.
Hakim was undoubtedly gutted with the result. “Disappointing for us… missed chances. DLS came into play. For us, it’s about learning. Very proud of Al Fahad. Looking forward to the next match,” he said.
https://bit.ly/4jNAAmH
On when Bangladesh lost the plot, he said: “When I took that shot! This game is like a learning for me. I just gave my best, but unfortunately, they took the catch. India is a very good team.”
India skipper Ayush Mhatre lauded his batters Abhigyan Kundu and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for keeping the side afloat. “The way Kundu and Vaibhav batted was really brilliant. Even Kanishk batted brilliantly in the end. There was a little dampness on the wicket. The ball was sticking on the wicket from back of the length. It was difficult. There was a simple discussion: the break was on our side because there was some momentum for Bangladesh… Boys were confident we could defend the total. The batters don’t expect a part-timer to come in this situation. I’m pretty confident in his (Vihaan) skills.”
Earlier, India had a miserable start with as they lost Ayush (6) and Vedant Trivedi (0) with 12 on the board. Vihaan Malhotra (7) too did not last long but Vaibhav and Kundu stitched a 62-run partnership to bail India out. Vaibhav made a 67-ball 72 with six fours and three sixes, while Kundu scored 80 off 112 balls with four boundaries and three sixes. Later, Kanishk Chouhan made 28 as India reached 238.
Al Fahad took five for 38 to be the most successful Bangladesh bowler.
Brief scores: India 238 in 48.4 overs (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 72, Abhigyan Kundu 70, Kanishk Chouhan 28; Al Fahad 5/38, Iqbal Hossain Emon 2/45, Azizul Hakim 2/42) beat Bangladesh (revised target 165 off 29 overs) 146 in 28.3 overs (Rifat Beg 37, Azizul Hakim 51; Vihaan Malhotra 4/14, Khilan Patel 2/35).
