U-19 World Cup: Malhotra century powers India to 204-run win over Zimbabwe in Super Six opener
India began their Super Six campaign at the Under-19 World Cup with a commanding 204-run win over Zimbabwe. Vihaan Malhotra hit an unbeaten century as India posted 352/8, before the bowlers bundled Zimbabwe out for 148 to go top of their group in the phase.
India’s Under-19 team opened its Super Six campaign at the U-19 World Cup with a statement victory on Tuesday (27 January 2026), demolishing Zimbabwe by 204 runs in a one-sided contest that underlined the side’s batting depth and bowling control.
As reported by The Times of India, India posted a towering 352 for 8 after being put in to bat, with middle-order batter Vihaan Malhotra anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 109 off 107 balls. His knock combined patience with timely acceleration, ensuring India remained on course for a score well beyond par.
Malhotra found a key ally in wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu, who continued his strong run in the tournament with a fluent 61 off 62 deliveries. Earlier, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi provided early momentum at the top, racing to 52 off just 30 balls to power India to 100 within the first 11 overs.
A brief wobble saw India lose Sooryavanshi and skipper Ayush Mhatre in quick succession, but Malhotra and Kundu rebuilt calmly before lifting the tempo again. Their partnership ensured Zimbabwe’s attack had little respite, and India finished with a total that put the match firmly out of reach.
Zimbabwe’s chase never stabilised. India’s new-ball bowlers struck early to reduce Zimbabwe to 24 for 3 inside nine overs, and while there was some resistance in the middle, the required rate kept climbing and wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.
Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 148 in 37.4 overs, completing a comprehensive win for India. The result also strengthened India’s position in the Super Six group table, with the side starting the phase with a large net run-rate boost.
For India, the match offered multiple positives: an in-form middle order, aggressive intent in the powerplay, and disciplined bowling that converted scoreboard pressure into wickets. The team will look to carry the same balance into tougher Super Six fixtures where margins are likely to be tighter.