Vihaan Malhotra’s Century Leads India to 204-Run U19 World Cup Win Over Zimbabwe

India U19 thrash Zimbabwe by 204 runs, Vihaan Malhotra stars with unbeaten 109

India Under-19 continued their dominant run in the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 with a commanding 204-run victory over hosts Zimbabwe in their first Super Six match at Queen’s Sports Club, Bulawayo, on Tuesday. Vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten 109.

After a brief wobble against Bangladesh earlier in the tournament, Ayush Mhatre’s side showed control and discipline from the start, leaving Zimbabwe little room to respond.

Put in to bat, India were set on fire by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who smashed a quick 50 off 24 balls to put the bowlers on the back foot. Zimbabwe fought back briefly, with Tatenda Chimugoro taking key wickets in the middle overs, but India’s innings found stability through Malhotra.

Coming in at 101 for three in the 11th over, Malhotra built a crucial 113-run partnership with Abhigyan Kundu. While Kundu played the supporting role, Malhotra batted with composure, rotating the strike efficiently and punishing loose deliveries to carry his bat for a fluent 109. India eventually posted a massive 353 for eight, effectively putting the contest beyond Zimbabwe’s reach.

Zimbabwe’s reply was shaky from the start, though Kian Blignaut and Leeroy Chiwaula offered some resistance with a 69-run fourth-wicket stand. Chiwaula top-scored for the hosts with 62, while Chimugoro contributed 29, but once the partnership ended, India’s bowlers tightened the screws.

Skipper Ayush Mhatre led the attack with three wickets, supported by pacer Udhav Mohan, who also claimed three, and R.S. Ambrish, who took two. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 148 in the 38th over.

India now turn their attention to a high-stakes clash against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Super Six stage on February 1.