Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
India overcame some nervy moments to secure a six-wicket win over the United States in a rain-hit opening match of the Under-19 World Cup at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.
Chasing a revised target of 97 after Henil Patel's sensational five-wicket haul had put India in total control, a dramatic collapse to 25/3 raised the temperature in the dressing room, but Abhigyan Kundu's mature knock of an unbeaten 42 safely guided the team home.
India skipper Ayush Mhatre, who is one of the highly rated young batters in the world, failed to fire with the bat, as did 14-year-old Bihar batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
The Indian opening duo fell cheaply against a spirited new-ball spell by the USA pacers, igniting some nervy moments amongst the travelling fans. While Sooryavanshi was dismissed for 2, Mhatre got off to a start but managed to accumulate only 19 runs.
While praising the opposition bowlers, Mhatre also lavished huge praise on his bowling line-up, which bowled the USA out for just 107 in 35.2 overs.
"They (USA) bowled really well, but it's part of the game. We bowled really well, read the conditions and kept it simple. The plan was simple, the batters were confident, just wanted to be simple and play their own game," Mhatre said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
India have come into the tournament as the most successful nation in the tournament with five titles, and Mhatre acknowledged the weight of expectations on his young teammates.
"There are some expectations, to represent India is a proud moment for us, we'll try our best in this World Cup," Mhatre added.
Earlier, Henil led an outstanding bowling effort with a five-wicket haul as India skittled the USA for a paltry 107 in 35.2 overs. The right-arm Gujarat pacer ripped through the USA batting line-up and finished with exceptional figures of 5/16 from seven overs with one maiden after India opted to bowl under overcast conditions.
India, who are pooled alongside the USA, Bangladesh and New Zealand in Group B, will aim to raise their game to a much higher level when they take on Bangladesh in a high-voltage clash on Saturday.
