India's Vihaan Malhotra smashed an unbeaten century, leading his team to a dominant 204-run victory over Zimbabwe in a Super Six match of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026. On the same day, Pakistan's fast bowlers delivered a destructive performance, dismantling New Zealand's batting lineup to secure a convincing 8-wicket win in their Super Six encounter. These crucial matches unfolded on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in Zimbabwe, as teams intensified their campaigns for semi-final berths.[m+4]
Malhotra's Masterclass Secures India's Big Win
In Bulawayo, at the Queen's Sports Club, India Under-19 showcased their formidable batting strength by posting a massive total of 352 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs against host nation Zimbabwe.Vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra anchored the innings with a composed and confident unbeaten 109 runs, coming off 107 balls and featuring seven boundaries.His century marked India's first of the tournament and earned him the Player of the Match award.[m+10]
India's innings began with an aggressive start from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who hammered a rapid 52 runs from just 30 deliveries, including four fours and four sixes, setting a quick tempo.Following some early wickets, Malhotra formed a vital 113-run partnership with Abhigyan Kundu, who contributed a fluent 61 runs off 62 balls.Late fireworks from Khilan A Patel, who scored 30 runs off a mere 12 balls, further propelled India to their daunting total.This impressive score of 352 is the fourth-largest total recorded in the tournament so far.[indiatoday+5]
Chasing a formidable target, Zimbabwe's batting lineup struggled from the outset. India's pace bowlers, R S Ambrish and Henil Patel, bowled effectively in tandem, reducing Zimbabwe to 24 for 3 by the ninth over.Despite some resistance in the middle overs, led by Leeroy Chiwaula, who scored a fighting 62 runs, and Kian Blignaut's 37, Zimbabwe could not withstand the consistent Indian bowling attack.Zimbabwe were eventually bundled out for 148 runs in 37.4 overs.[m+5]
India's captain, Ayush Mhatre, led the bowling effort with three wickets for just 14 runs.Pacer Udhav Mohan also claimed three wickets for 20 runs, while R.S. Ambrish chipped in with two wickets for 19 runs.This comprehensive 204-run victory marked India's fourth consecutive win in the tournament, maintaining their perfect record and placing them firmly on the verge of semi-final qualification.Captain Mhatre praised Malhotra's performance, stating, "(Vihaan has been) really doing well. (When we were touring before the World Cup) he was doing really well, he is really confident, and we are also really confident that he's batting really well and that he is doing good work for the team."[indiatoday+7]
Pakistan Quicks Demolish New Zealand
In Harare, Pakistan Under-19 delivered a dominant bowling display to secure an 8-wicket victory over New Zealand Under-19 in their Super Six encounter at the Harare Sports Club.After winning the toss and electing to field, Pakistan's fast bowlers ripped through the New Zealand batting order, dismissing them for a paltry 110 runs in just 28.3 overs.[icc-cricket+4]
Abdul Subhan was the standout bowler for Pakistan, scalping four crucial wickets.Ali Raza provided excellent support, taking three wickets, while Momin Qamar and Mohammad Sayyam each secured one wicket.New Zealand's innings saw only a few batters make notable contributions, with Hugo Bogue top-scoring with 39 runs from 27 balls.Mason Clarke added 17 runs, and Tom Jones contributed 15, but the rest of the lineup collapsed under the pressure of Pakistan's disciplined attack.[outlookindia+6]
In response, Pakistan comfortably chased down the target of 111 runs, achieving it in just 17.1 overs with eight wickets still in hand.Sameer Minhas played a scintillating innings, remaining unbeaten on 76 runs from 59 deliveries, guiding his team to a swift victory.Usman Khan also contributed steadily to the chase.This emphatic win gave Pakistan a strong start to their Super Six campaign in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026, which is being co-hosted by Namibia and Zimbabwe.New Zealand's tournament journey has faced disruptions, including weather-affected matches, making it challenging for them to find consistent rhythm.[outlookindia+8]
These results highlight the intensity of the Super Six stage, where teams are vying for limited semi-final spots. India, Pakistan, and England are currently the top contenders from Group 2, with an eagerly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan scheduled for February 1, which could be decisive for semi-final qualification.The tournament continues to provide a platform for young talent to shine on the international stage.[indiatoday+1]
