Vihaan Malhotra’s 109 Powers India U19 to 204-Run Rout of Zimbabwe
India Under-19 continued their dominant ICC U19 World Cup 2026 run with a crushing 204-run victory over hosts Zimbabwe in their first Super Six match at Queen’s Sports Club, Bulawayo, on Tuesday. Vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra starred with a composed unbeaten 109, guiding India to a commanding total of 353 for eight.
After being put in to bat, India got off to a flying start through Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose explosive 24-ball fifty set the tone. Zimbabwe struck back briefly, with Tatenda Chimugoro picking up a few crucial wickets, but India’s innings was steadied by Malhotra.
Walking in at 101 for three in the 11th over, Malhotra stitched together a vital 113-run partnership with Abhigyan Kundu. While Kundu played the supporting role, Malhotra batted with poise, punished loose deliveries, and rotated the strike brilliantly, carrying his bat through the innings.
Chasing a massive target, Zimbabwe struggled from the outset. Kian Blignaut and Leeroy Chiwaula offered some resistance with a 69-run fourth-wicket stand, but it was only a temporary reprieve. Chiwaula top-scored with 62, while Chimugoro added 29. Once the partnership ended, India’s bowlers quickly wrapped up the innings.
Skipper Ayush Mhatre led the attack with three wickets, supported by Udhav Mohan, who also claimed three, and R.S. Ambrish with two. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 148 in the 38th over.
With this dominant performance, India now gear up for a high-stakes Super Six clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on February 1.
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