India U19 scored 252 runs before getting all out in 49.5 overs against Pakistan U19 during the Super Six Group 2 match of the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Although the target is challenging, Pakistan has a clear path to qualifying.
To reach the semi-finals, Pakistan must chase down the target in under 33.3 overs. If they fail to do so, India will qualify based on net run rate.
Pakistan Faces Tough Challenge on Slow Pitch
Batting conditions in Bulawayo have been difficult. Uneven bounce and sticky patches make stroke play challenging, while extended fielding boundaries add to the obstacles. Pakistan’s bowlers effectively utilized these conditions to limit India to a manageable total.
India started strong but quickly fell apart. The openers put up 47 runs without losing a wicket, but soon they were at 47 for 3 after losing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre, and Aaron George within four balls.
Vedant Trivedi and Vihaan Malhotra then steadied the innings with a solid partnership. Vedant scored 68 runs off 98 balls, crucially holding the innings together.
After Vihaan was dismissed, Abhigyan Kundu joined Vedant and was fortunate to get a second chance after being caught on a no-ball, but he couldn’t capitalize on it. India’s middle order contributed important runs throughout the innings.
India passed 250 thanks to late innings performances from RS Ambrish (29), Kanishk Chouhan (35), and Khilan Patel (21). Abdul Subhan led the Pakistani bowlers with three wickets while keeping the run rate low.
Pakistan faces a challenging path ahead. They need to score quickly while maintaining batting strength. The required run rate will start high and will become more difficult as the innings goes on.
For success, Pakistan must excel in the powerplay and effectively manage the middle overs. A slowdown could jeopardize their chances of progressing to the finals.
Pakistan’s batters will aim to achieve two main goals: scoring runs and managing their batting time effectively.
