Rain interrupted play for the second time in India’s U19 World Cup 2026 Group A clash against Bangladesh U19 on Saturday, leaving India in urgent need of wickets. The match, taking place at Bulawayo, has already been reduced to 49 overs per side due to earlier weather disruptions.
Bangladesh, chasing a target of 239, was 90/2 in 17.2 overs when play was halted again. The visitors had started positively, with their top order maintaining a steady approach against India’s bowling attack, putting the onus on the Indian bowlers to strike quickly once the conditions allow play to resume.
India had set a competitive total of 238 in their innings. The team received brilliant contributions from two young talents: 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed 72 off 67 balls, while 17-year-old wicket-keeper batter Abhigyan Kundu scored a patient 80. Suryavanshi’s innings made him the youngest player to record a fifty in U19 World Cup history and also pushed him past Virat Kohli on the list of top run-scorers in youth ODIs.
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Bangladesh’s bowling was led by pacer Al Fahad, who claimed a five-wicket haul to put India under pressure and keep the contest balanced despite the rain interruptions. His performance has been pivotal in keeping Bangladesh within striking distance.
Adding to the tension, the toss was marked by unusual circumstances, as the India and Bangladesh captains did not shake hands, reflecting lingering political sensitivities between the two nations. Nevertheless, the focus remains on the on-field contest as the weather plays its part in disrupting the flow of the match.
As rain delays continue, India’s U19 side will need to regroup and find breakthroughs quickly when play resumes to prevent Bangladesh from chasing down the target. The match promises to be a tense encounter, with both youth sides displaying top-class talent and resilience under challenging conditions.
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