Fate has once again set up a high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash on the global stage. India Under-19’s emphatic win over New Zealand on Saturday ensured they will face arch-rivals Pakistan in the Super Sixes of the ongoing tournament on February 1 in Bulawayo.
Led by Ayush Mhatre, India finished as table-toppers in Group B (B1), while Pakistan qualified as the second-placed team from Group C (C2). As per the tournament format, the top three teams from each of the four groups advanced to the Super Sixes. Groups B and C have been combined into one Super Sixes group, with Groups A and D forming the other.
In this stage, each team plays two matches against sides they did not face in the group stage and who finished at different positions. Accordingly, India will play Pakistan (C2) on February 1 and Zimbabwe (C3) on January 27, both in Bulawayo. Pakistan, meanwhile, will take on Group B winners India and third-placed New Zealand.
While Pakistan suffered one defeat — against England — in the group stage, India enjoyed a flawless run. The defending champions opened their campaign with a six-wicket win over the USA in a rain-hit encounter before producing a spirited second-innings comeback to edge Bangladesh by 17 runs via the DLS method.
How India Beat New Zealand
India registered a commanding seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in yet another rain-affected contest, with skipper Ayush Mhatre leading from the front. The match was reduced to 37 overs per side due to damp conditions.
Batting first, New Zealand struggled to gain momentum as India’s bowlers ran riot. The Kiwis were reduced to 69 for seven, with RS Ambrish starring with a four-wicket haul and Henil Patel chipping in with three scalps. Callum Samson top-scored with 37, while late contributions from Jacob Cotter and Selwin Sanjay helped New Zealand reach 135 before being bowled out in the final over.
India’s revised chase of 130 was a one-sided affair. After losing an early wicket, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Mhatre stitched together a brisk 76-run stand. Mhatre raced to a 27-ball half-century, while Sooryavanshi contributed a fluent 40. Unbeaten cameos from Vihaan Malhotra and Vedant Trivedi ensured India sealed the win in just 13.3 overs, completing a perfect group-stage campaign.
