India, Jan 17 : U19 produced a thrilling display in their second U19 World Cup match against Bangladesh, with 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashing a blistering half century off just 30 balls, even as India’s top order struggled. The match also witnessed a tense start, as the two captains skipped the customary handshake at the toss amid rising off-field political tensions between the nations.
After rain delays earlier in the day, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl, striking early with Al Fahad removing India captain Ayush Mhatre for 6 and Vedant Trivedi for a duck in consecutive deliveries. Vihaan Malhotra added to the pressure, falling for 7 off 24 balls inside the powerplay, leaving India reeling at 3/3.
Amid the collapse, Suryavanshi counter-attacked in spectacular fashion, striking five fours and three sixes to keep India in the hunt. Alongside Abhigyan Kundu, who has struggled at the crease with just 2 runs off 24 balls, Suryavanshi steadied the innings, bringing India to 71/3 after 15 overs.
Bangladesh bowlers, led by Sheikh Parvez Jibon and captain Md Azizul Hakim Tamim, maintained pressure with tight overs and multiple maidens, but Suryavanshi’s aggressive stroke play ensured India’s innings did not lose momentum.
Playing XIs
India U19: Ayush Mhatre (c), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi, Vihaan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Kanishk Chouhan, Harvansh Pangalia, RS Ambrish, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Khilan Patel
Bangladesh U19: Md Rifat Beg, Zawad Abrar, Md Azizul Hakim Tamim (c), Kalam Siddiki Aleen, Md Rizan Hossan, Md Farid Hasan Faysal (wk), Md Samiun Basir Ratul, Sheikh Parvez Jibon, Al Fahad, Saad Islam Razin, Iqbal Hossain Emon