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Vihaan Malhotra's Ton Powers India U-19 to Fourth-Straight World Cup Win

India's Under-19 cricket team secured a commanding 204-run victory against hosts Zimbabwe for their fourth consecutive win in the World Cup. Batting first, India posted a formidable 352/8, their highest and the tournament's fourth-largest total so far. Standout performer Vihaan Malhotra scored an unbeaten 109, earning Player of the Match honors, which captain Ayush Mhatre praised post-game. The win strengthens India's semi-final prospects as they prepare for a high-stakes match against arch-rivals Pakistan.

Key Points: India U-19 Cricket Team Wins 4th Straight in World Cup

  • 204-run win over Zimbabwe
  • Vihaan Malhotra's 109* earns Player of the Match
  • Team posts massive 352/8 total
  • On cusp of semi-final qualification
2 min read

"Really doing well": Ayush Mhatre lauds Vihaan Malhotra's hundred after fourth-straight victory in U-19 WC

India U-19 dominates Zimbabwe by 204 runs as Vihaan Malhotra scores 109*. Captain Ayush Mhatre praises team's momentum ahead of Pakistan clash.

"(Vihaan has been) really doing well - Ayush Mhatre"

Bulawayo, January 28

India continue to improve their ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup credentials, collecting a fourth-straight victory to maintain their still-perfect record at the tournament.

Their 204-run win against hosts Zimbabwe was an expression of the sheer depth of talent this team possesses. They are on the cusp of semi-final qualification, having also notched victories over the USA, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, according to the ICC website.

But this victory assists in having this side better conditioned for the pointy end of the World Cup; it's their first win that wasn't impacted by the DLS method and the first time they have batted the full 50 overs, scoring a blistering 352/8, which was far too many runs for Zimbabwe to chase down.

Vihaan Malhotra was a standout Player of the Match choice, scoring 109*.

India's score of 352 is the fourth-largest total posted at the World Cup so far.

Captain Ayush Mhatre, who took three wickets of his own, was quick to credit the role Malhotra had played earlier with the bat.

"(Vihaan has been) really doing well," Mhatre said post-game.

"(When we were touring before the World Cup) he was doing really well, he is really confident, and we are also really confident that he's batting really well and that he is doing good work for the team," he added.

Mhatre (3/14 off four overs), Udhav Mohan (3/20 off 6.4), and R.S. Ambrish (2/19) ensured India made quick work of their time in the field, giving the team plenty of confidence and ambition to make a deep World Cup run.

"This match was really nice for us, the boys were really doing well, and we'll try to carry this momentum forward," Mhatre added.

And it only gets bigger from here. Depending on other results, India may have already secured a spot in the final four, depending on England's upcoming match against New Zealand.

But given India's next opponent is rival Pakistan, there will be no holding back. They intend to avoid distractions and stay laser-focused on the task at hand.

"The boys are really excited for the match, we'll just play our game, not really worry about our opponents that we are playing against, (we'll) just play our game and back our game," Mhatre noted.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, it's thrilling to see such dominance. Batting full 50 overs and posting that score shows great temperament. Captain Mhatre leading from the front with both words and wickets!
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Rohit P
Excellent win, but let's not get carried away. Zimbabwe is not the strongest side. The real test is next against Pakistan. The boys need to keep their focus sharp. No room for complacency.
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Ananya R
So proud of these young champions! Malhotra's unbeaten century 💯 and the captain's all-round effort... brilliant! The team spirit is visible. All the best for the Pakistan match, boys! Bring the cup home!
M
Michael C
Impressive depth in the squad. To score that many and then bowl the opposition out so cheaply shows a complete team performance. The pipeline of talent in India is just incredible.
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Kavya N
Love the captain's attitude. "Play our game, not worry about opponents" – that's the right mindset. These kids are playing fearless cricket. Hope they continue this form in the knockouts. Jai Hind!

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