India Under-19 captain Ayush Mhatre said his team is steadily growing in confidence and maturity after registering a seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup.
The rain-affected group-stage match, played on Saturday, tested both teams with interruptions and changing conditions. However, India handled the situation calmly, extending their unbeaten run and securing maximum points as they head into the Super Six stage of the tournament.
Once again, the five-time champions showed why they are considered one of the strongest sides in the competition.
Adapting to conditions made the difference
After the match, Mhatre highlighted the team’s ability to adapt as a key factor behind the win. He said the players remained focused despite the stop-start nature of the contest and executed their plans with clarity.
“The whole tournament has been really nice for us,” Mhatre said, as quoted by the ICC. “The boys have played well and shown a strong attitude. That maturity comes from playing more competitive cricket together.”
He added that dealing with rain, revised targets, and pressure situations has helped the team grow quickly during the tournament.
Calm approach under pressure
India’s performance reflected a balanced mindset rather than aggression for its own sake. Whether batting or bowling, the players stuck to their roles and avoided unnecessary risks, a trait often seen in more experienced sides.
Mhatre noted that the team discussions before and during matches have helped players stay aligned. He said the focus has been on understanding match situations rather than relying only on individual brilliance.
That approach allowed India to control the chase comfortably, even as conditions remained unpredictable.
Confidence-building at the right time
With the Super Six stage approaching, Mhatre believes the team is building confidence at the right moment. He said each match has added clarity to roles and strengthened belief within the group.
“The more games we play, the better we understand each other,” he said. “That helps when situations change quickly, as they did in this match.”
Strong position heading into Super Six
India’s consistent performances so far have reinforced their status as one of the tournament favourites. The combination of disciplined cricket, adaptability, and calm leadership has put the side in a strong position going forward.
As the competition moves into its next phase, India will aim to carry this momentum into tougher encounters, knowing that adaptability and composure could once again decide close contests.
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