A dominant all-round show led by Kanishk Chouhan helped India seal a semifinal berth even before the chase ended in Bulawayo.
A Result Decided Before the Final Ball
India sealed qualification for the ICC U-19 World Cup 2026 semi-finals midway through their Super Six clash against arch-rivals India U19, after ensuring Pakistan U19 failed to stay within a required run rate.
India needed to prevent Pakistan from chasing 253 runs within 33.3 overs to book a last-four spot. The Ayush Mhatre-led side achieved that target comfortably, confirming qualification even as the match continued.
Kanishk Chouhan Sets the Tone
All-rounder Kanishk Chouhan emerged as the decisive figure in the contest. His brisk 35 off 29 balls, followed by a rapid 50-run stand for the eighth wicket with Khilan Patel, lifted India to a competitive 252 all out in 49.5 overs.
At a time when the pitch slowed considerably, the late acceleration proved critical in pushing India beyond Pakistan’s comfort zone.
Pakistan Fall Behind the Required Rate
Pakistan’s response never gathered momentum. At the 33.3-over mark, they were 167 for 4, well short of the pace required to stay alive in the tournament. That moment officially confirmed India’s semifinal qualification and Pakistan’s elimination.
The chase eventually ended at 194 all out in 46.2 overs, handing India a 58-run victory.
Spinners Squeeze the Life Out of the Chase
Kanishk followed up his batting effort with a disciplined spell of 1 for 30 in 10 overs, delivering 40 dot balls that stalled Pakistan’s progress.
With the surface aiding turn, left-arm spinner Khilan Patel returned figures of 3 for 35, while skipper Ayush Mhatre chipped in with three wickets of his own. Together, they choked the run flow through the middle overs and ensured Pakistan never threatened the equation.
Pakistan’s Batting Turns Defensive
Even set batters failed to shift gears. Asia Cup hero Sameer Minhas fell to a Henil Patel off-cutter, while the remaining lineup adopted a strangely cautious approach despite mounting pressure.
The lack of intent contrasted sharply with the urgency demanded by the situation.
Earlier, India Recover After Early Stumbles
Put in to bat, India started aggressively through Vaibhav Suryavanshi, but a collapse followed. From 47 without loss, India slipped to 47 for 3 after quick dismissals, including another first-ball duck for skipper Mhatre.
Vedant Trivedi anchored the innings with a patient 68 off 98 balls, forging a stabilising partnership with Vihaan Malhotra. However, the slow track made acceleration difficult for the top order.
The innings found its finishing kick only when Khilan and Kanishk counter-attacked in the final overs, pushing India to a defendable total.
What Lies Ahead
India will face Afghanistan in the semi-final, while England and Australia meet in the other last-four clash.
For India, the victory was not just about beating Pakistan. It was about control, discipline, and clarity under pressure. By managing the equation mid-match, the young side showed a maturity beyond its years, exactly what knockout cricket demands.
Image credit: © X (Formerly Twitter)
Source: NDTV SPORTS
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