Ayush Mhatre leads from front as India knock Pakistan out to enter U19 World Cup 2026 semis

India U19 beat Pakistan U19 [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com] In the 36th match of the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026 Super Six at Bulawayo on February 1, India U-19 defeated Pakistan U-19 by 58 runs after putting up a fighting 252 and then bowling Pakistan out for 194 in 46.2 overs. And with this win, India finished as Group B toppers and now march into the semi-finals where they will lock horns with Afghanistan U-19. Vedant Trivedi plays the anchor role to perfection India’s innings wasn’t smooth sailing. It had speed, stumbles, and then a strong finish. The start was promising, mainly because Vaibhav Sooryavanshi came out with fearless intent and cracked 30 off 22 balls, including five boundaries and a six. India looked set to boss the powerplay, but Pakistan struck back quickly and suddenly the momentum switched lanes. In the space of a few deliveries, India slipped into trouble. They were flying at 47, and then lost 3 wickets in four balls as captain Ayush Mhatre went for a duck and India were reduced to 47/3. But India didn’t throw the towel. They had the right guy at the crease to absorb pressure. That guy was Vedant Trivedi. His 68 off 98 balls was not about glamour. It was about survival and sense. He batted like a man who understood the situation, held the innings together, and made sure India didn’t collapse into a below-par total. Chouhan and Khilan Patel add the finishing spark The middle order kept doing the hard yards. Vihaan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu, and RS Ambrish played around Trivedi and ensured India kept moving. India shifted gears late and that changed everything. Kanishk Chouhan gave the innings the push it needed with 35 off 29, and Khilan Patel chipped in with a rapid 21 off 15. Those late runs were like icing on the cake. India ended at 252 all out in 49.5 overs. Usman Khan fights, but India keep Pakistan on a tight leash Pakistan needed to chases this target in 33.3 overs to qualify for the semi-final. They started their chase in a way that suggested they were in the hunt. They reached 56/1 after 10 overs, and at that stage the match still had some spice. Hamza Zahoor played positively for his 42 off 49, while Usman Khan looked like the most composed batter Pakistan had, eventually top-scoring with 66 off 92. But the problem for Pakistan was clear, India never allowed them to settle. And Pakistan played like their only goal was to beat India and not qualify for the semis. Captain Farhan Yousaf tried to inject some life with 38 off 39, including two sixes, but India always had an answer. After Pakistan reached 151/3, it looked like they could still push for a finish. Instead, the chase fell apart. Wickets tumbled, the lower order looked clueless, and Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 194 in 46.2 overs. Mhatre leads from the front as Khilan Patel seals the deal India’s bowling effort was a proper “all hands on deck” job. The standout spells came from Ayush Mhatre and Khilan Patel, who both picked up three wickets each. Kanishk Chouhan also played his role beautifully, giving away just 30 runs in 10 overs and building pressure from one end. India top Group B and face Afghanistan in semi-finals With this 58-run victory, India U19 didn’t just qualify for the semi-finals, they stamped authority by topping Group B. They now face Afghanistan Under-19 in the semi-finals, and given how complete this performance was, India will take confidence from it like fuel.