Article By Suvankar Roy
India snatched victory from the jaws of uncertainty, dismantling Bangladesh in a rain-interrupted U-19 World Cup encounter that was as much about high-octane cricket as it was about sideline drama.
Pre-Match Tension and Controversy
The high-stakes match began with a flicker of controversy. Bangladesh’s regular captain, Azizul Hakim, was unable to attend the toss due to illness, leading Vice-Captain Jawad Abrar to take charge. However, the atmosphere soured when the Bangladeshi deputy reportedly skipped the traditional handshake at the toss—a gesture that immediately sparked diplomatic chatter between the two cricketing nations.
While the BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) maintained that the incident was unintentional, they were quick to issue a reminder to their squad, stating
“Players are expected to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, cordiality, and mutual respect in all interactions with opponents. The BCB remains fully committed to the core values of cricket, both on and off the field.”
India’s Batting: The Suryavanshi Show
After winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to bowl, and the decision paid immediate dividends. India’s openers, Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, took to the crease, but disaster struck early. Captain Mhatre fell quickly, followed by Vedant Trivedi on the very next delivery.
With the team reeling under pressure, 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi stepped up. Showcasing maturity far beyond his years, Suryavanshi became one of the youngest players to score a half-century in U-19 World Cup history. His gritty 72 off 67 balls (including six boundaries and three towering sixes) stabilized the innings. He found a reliable partner in Abhigyan Kundu, who acted as India’s shield, crafting a vital 80 runs off 112 balls. Despite their efforts, the rest of the lineup struggled, and India was eventually bowled out for 238 in 48.4 overs.
The Chase: DLS and the Indian Bowling Masterclass
Rain interrupted play as Bangladesh began their chase of 239. Once the weather cleared, the target was revised via the DLS method to 165 runs in 29 overs.
What followed was a clinical display of bowling by the young “Boys in Blue.” Bangladesh’s captain Azizul Hakim Tamim fought a lone battle with a half-century, but the rest of the batting order collapsed under the relentless pressure of the Indian attack. The star of the show was Vihan Malhotra, who delivered a lethal spell, claiming 4 wickets for just 14 runs in 4 overs.
Bangladesh was ultimately bundled out for 146 in 28.3 overs, handing India a thrilling 18-run victory.