Ambrish picks four wickets while Mhatre blasts quick fifty
It was a day of absolute dominance for the Boys in Blue at the Queens Sports Club. The Indian Under-19 cricket team registered a commanding victory over New Zealand Under-19, winning by 7 wickets via the DLS method in a rain-curtailed Group B encounter of the ICC Men's Under-19 World Cup on Saturday.
Bowlers Set the Tone
Opting to field first after winning the toss, the Indian bowlers utilized the conditions perfectly. The match was reduced to 37 overs per side due to rain interruptions, but this did not break India's momentum. Pacer RS Ambrish emerged as the wrecker-in-chief, tearing through the Kiwi batting lineup with stellar figures of 4 for 29 in his 8 overs.
He was ably supported by Henil Patel, who claimed 3 wickets for just 23 runs. The New Zealand batters struggled to build partnerships, with only Callum Samson (37 not out) and Selwin Sanjay (28) offering some resistance. The Black Caps were eventually bowled out for a below-par 135 in 36.2 overs.
Explosive Chase
Chasing a revised DLS target of 130 runs, India’s response was swift and aggressive. Openers Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre wasted no time in attacking the opposition bowlers. Sooryavanshi smashed a quick-fire 40 off just 23 balls, setting the platform for a comfortable chase.
Captain Ayush Mhatre played a captain's knock, blasting a blistering 53 runs off only 27 deliveries. His innings was studded with six massive sixes, completely demoralizing the New Zealand attack. Although India lost three wickets, they cruised to the target in just 13.3 overs, finishing at 130/3.
This massive win significantly boosts India's net run rate in Group B as they look to march forward in the tournament.
Image Source: ESPN Cricinfo
