Bulawayo: India defeated the USA by 6 wickets to requite their wayfarers at the Under-19 World Cup a roaring start on Thursday.
The USA team, batting first, could only manage 107 runs in 35.2 overs, losing all their wickets. The Indian bowlers put in a stellar performance, with Henil Patel taking 5 wickets (5/16), the first five-wicket haul of the tournament. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Deepesh Devendran, Khilan Patel, and RS Ambrish moreover chipped in with wickets. For the USA, Nitish Sudini top-scored with 36 runs, but no other batsman could make a significant contribution. The Indian fielding was moreover exceptional, with Vihan Malhotra's run-out stuff a notable highlight.
The Indian team, led by Ayush Mhatre, is in spanking-new form. The team recently whitewashed South Africa 3-0 in a three-match ODI series. Before that, they reached the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup. India is the most successful team in the history of the Under-19 World Cup. In the 16 editions of the tournament held so far, the Indian team has been crowned champions five times. The tournament began in 1988, with Australia winning the inaugural title.
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