Ind vs Pak U19 World Cup: India Set 252-Run Target in High-Stakes India vs Pakistan U19 Match

India posted 252 in a high-pressure Ind vs Pak U19 World Cup clash at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, riding on Vedant Trivedi’s composed 68 before a late burst from the lower order lifted the total after a dramatic middle-order slide. 

Pakistan chose to field first and struck at the right moments to keep India from running away in the powerplay. The Indian openers moved quickly to 46 without loss, but the tone changed within two overs. Mohammad Sayyam removed Vaibhav Suryavanshi for 30 and followed it by sending back captain Ayush Mhatre without scoring. Abdul Subhan then broke through again as Aaron George fell for 16, leaving India suddenly three down inside ten overs.

From there, India rebuilt through Trivedi, who absorbed pressure and kept the innings together with a measured knock of 68 off 98 balls. He worked the gaps, rotated strike, and ensured the scoreboard kept moving while Pakistan’s spinners tightened their grip. Vihaan Malhotra (25) and RS Ambrish (29) made starts but could not convert, as Ahmed Hussain and Momin Qamar controlled the middle phase with disciplined lines.

When Trivedi holed out in the 41st over, India were 182 for 6 and in danger of falling well short of a defendable total. The script flipped in the closing overs. Kanishk Chouhan smashed 35 from 29 balls, and Khilan Patel added a quick 21 off 15, the pair adding 50 runs in just 23 deliveries. With a fielding restriction in place due to an over-rate penalty, India capitalized and pushed past the 250 mark.

Abdul Subhan then shut the door with a clinical final over, picking up two wickets and effecting a run-out to finish with a three-wicket haul and bowl India out for 252 with one ball unused.

The “virtual quarter-final” now moves to the second innings with momentum finely balanced in this latest chapter of the India vs Pakistan U19 rivalry.