India U19 delivered a commanding all-round performance against arch-rivals Pakistan to secure a stylish 58-run victory and book their place in the semi-finals of the U19 World Cup at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. Led by skipper Ayush Mhatre, India’s spin attack proved decisive as Pakistan were bundled out for 194 while chasing 252.
Spin Takes Centre Stage
Defending a competitive total, Indian spinners ran through Pakistan’s batting lineup, exploiting the turning conditions to perfection. Pakistan never found momentum in their chase and struggled to keep up with the required run rate in the 33.3-over window needed for a semi-final spot. Under mounting pressure, their innings eventually collapsed, handing India a comprehensive win.
Vedant Trivedi Holds Firm with the Bat
Earlier, India were put in to bat after Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf won the toss and opted to field first. The decision paid early dividends as Pakistan struck regularly, removing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, followed swiftly by Ayush Mhatre and Aaron George, leaving India three wickets down and under pressure.
Amid the mini-collapse, Vedant Trivedi played a mature and composed knock of 68, anchoring the innings on a challenging pitch. His steady presence allowed India to rebuild and push the total to 252, a score that ultimately proved beyond Pakistan’s reach.
High Stakes and Tournament Context
The encounter carried added intensity, with both teams eyeing a crucial semi-final berth in the final match of the Super Sixes stage. Despite being unbeaten, India faced the unusual scenario of potentially missing out on the semi-finals if they suffered a heavy defeat—especially after their 191-run loss to Pakistan in the Asia Cup final just weeks earlier.
In the Super Sixes standings, England had already qualified, while India sat second with six points and a healthy net run rate. Pakistan, close behind with four points, needed a strong result to overtake India—adding further edge to this storied rivalry.
Team Effort Seals the Deal
While India had relied on multiple contributors throughout the tournament, questions remained over a big top-order performance. Against Pakistan, however, India’s collective effort—anchored by Trivedi’s batting and driven by relentless spin bowling—proved too strong.
Pakistan, despite possessing a dangerous top order and quality bowlers, were unable to counter India’s disciplined approach in the field and with the ball.
Squads
India U19:
Ayush Mhatre (c), Aaron George, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi, Vihaan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Kanishk Chouhan, RS Ambrish, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Udhav Mohan, Harvansh Pangalia, Mohamed Enaan, Deepesh Devendran, Kishan Kumar Singh
Pakistan U19:
Farhan Yousaf (c), Hamza Zahoor (wk), Sameer Minhas, Usman Khan, Ahmed Hussain, Huzaifa Ahsan, Mohammad Shayan, Abdul Subhan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Ali Raza, Umar Zaib, Ali Hassan Baloch, Daniyal Ali Khan, Niqab Shafiq
What’s Next
With this emphatic win, India march confidently into the semi-finals, carrying momentum and belief as they prepare for the next challenge. For Pakistan, the defeat marks the end of a hard-fought campaign, full of lessons for the future.
Follow all the updates here:
Feb 01, 2026 9:27:00 PM IST: India vs Pakistan U19 World Cup LIVE: Semi-final line-up confirmed as India set to face Afghanistan. England and Australia will clash in the other blockbuster semi-final, with both matches promising high-intensity action and a coveted place in the final.
Feb 01, 2026 9:14:37 PM IST
India vs Pakistan U19 World Cup LIVE: Mhatre praises Vedant’s crucial knock
Following India’s emphatic victory over Pakistan, U19 skipper Ayush Mhatre applauded his team’s all-round effort, highlighting Vedant Trivedi’s composed batting and the decisive impact of India’s spin attack. Mhatre also stressed that the team’s focus is now firmly on the semi-finals.
“We had a good start from Vaibhav and Aaron, though there was a small stumble. Vedant was batting really well in the nets, so I had full confidence in him. Contributions came from everyone. Pakistan batted well in the first 25 overs, but once the ball started to turn, our spinners took control. We’re taking it one match at a time—our aim is to win the semi-final and reach the final,” Mhatre said.
Feb 01, 2026 9:06:57 PM IST
India vs Pakistan U19 World Cup LIVE: PAK skipper Farhan Yousaf backs his players despite defeat
After Pakistan’s loss to India, captain Farhan Yousaf reflected on a mixed performance, admitting where the game slipped away while praising his team’s effort—especially the bowling and fielding units.
“We bowled well at the start, but we became wayward later, which allowed India to post a big total. The set batters capitalised, and the game changed when an extra fielder came into the circle. Of course, it’s disappointing, but we’ll recover from this. Our initial plan was to win and qualify for the semi-finals, but after losing wickets, that plan changed. Regardless of the result, I’m really proud of the boys, particularly our bowling and fielding,” Farhan said.
Feb 01, 2026 9:00:22 PM IST
India vs Pakistan U19 World Cup LIVE: Kanishk reflects on match-winning performance
After delivering a standout all-round display and earning the Player of the Match award, Kanishk Chouhan spoke about his calm approach, smart decision-making, and the confidence he drew from his teammates.
“My partner asked me to take my time. We felt that a score of around 230–240 would be competitive, so the idea was to bat deep. If the ball was there to hit, I went for the boundary; otherwise, I focused on rotating the strike. The wicket played normally, and it feels great to perform when there’s so much support from the team,” Kanishk said.
Feb 01, 2026 8:54:27 PM IST
India vs Pakistan U19 World Cup LIVE: Kanishk Chouhan named Player of the Match
Kanishk Chouhan was adjudged Player of the Match for a brilliant all-round performance, scoring 35 off 29 balls, dismissing Hamza Zahoor, and taking a stunning catch to remove Abdul Subhan.
Feb 01, 2026 | 8:48 PM IST
India vs Pakistan U19 World Cup LIVE: India defeat Pakistan by 58 runs
India sealed a convincing 58-run victory as Khilan Patel claimed his third wicket to bowl Pakistan out for 194. India’s spinners produced a match-winning display, wresting control after the halfway stage. Pakistan struggled with their approach, failing to chase the target within the 33.3-over window required for a semi-final spot before collapsing under pressure.
Final Score: India 252 beat Pakistan 194 by 58 runs.
Feb 01, 2026 8:40:40 PM IST
India vs Pakistan U19 World Cup LIVE: Khilan strikes, Pakistan nine down
OUT! Khilan Patel removes Mohammad Sayyam as Pakistan slip to nine down, leaving India just one wicket away from victory. Pakistan impressed with the ball earlier, but their batting lacked intent and discipline throughout the chase.
PAK 191/9 (44.2 overs)
Feb 01, 2026 | 8:31 PM IST
India vs Pakistan U19 World Cup LIVE: Mhatre claims his third wicket
Ayush Mhatre picked up his third scalp, dismissing Momin Qamar for a duck. Qamar misread the turn and edged to Vihaan Malhotra, who took a sharp catch at point. India tightened the noose as Pakistan’s collapse continued.
PAK 184/8 (41.3 overs)
Feb 01, 2026 8:28:03 PM IST
India vs Pakistan U19 World Cup LIVE: Khilan joins the party
OUT! Khilan Patel strikes to claim his first wicket of the match as Abdul Subhan looks to break free but holes out. Kanishk Chouhan pulls off a brilliant catch to complete the dismissal and hand India a crucial breakthrough.
PAK 183/7 (40.5 overs)
Feb 01, 2026 | 8:23 PM IST
India vs Pakistan U19 World Cup LIVE: Indian spinners tighten the screws
The Indian spinners continue to apply pressure with a couple of disciplined overs, making the chase increasingly difficult for Pakistan. Just six runs came off the last two overs, pushing the required run rate beyond six an over. India have wrestled back control, though the job is not finished yet.
PAK 178/6 (39 overs)
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