![Henil Patel took 5-fer vs USA in U19 World Cup. [Source - @im_henil_18/Instagram]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768476537549_HenilPateltook5-fervsUSAinU19WorldCup..jpg?type=hq)
Henil Patel took 5-fer vs USA in U19 World Cup. [Source - @im_henil_18/Instagram]
In a dominant showing, India U19 got off to a commanding start in the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup 2026, facing USA in Bulawayo. A disciplined bowling effort set the tone early, with young pacer Henil Patel delivering a match-defining five-wicket haul to put India firmly in control.
Henil Patel rose to the occasion with a sensational bowling performance l, skittling the United States for just 107. His effective new-ball bowling gave India a strong platform for a dominant opening victory, underlining his growing reputation as a key weapon in this U19 World Cup campaign.
Henil Patel announced himself to the world with a match-winning spell against USA
After electing to bowl first, India U19 started strongly with the new ball as Henil Patel began his spell in style, striking with a wicket maiden in his very first over. He removed USA opener Amrinder Gill immediately, drawing first blood and setting the momentum for India during the early stages of the USA innings.
Continuing with the new ball, Henil bowled a six-over opening spell, making the best use of the early movements and discipline to trouble the opposition top-order batters. He picked up two more wickets in his final over of that spell, reducing USA to 35 for four inside just 12 overs.
After the spinners took control in the middle overs, Henil returned to finish the job as he grabbed two more wickets in a single over to complete his five-wicket haul, finishing with outstanding figures of 5 for 16 in seven overs.
Henil Patel’s background and rise
Henil Patel is a right-arm medium pacer from Gujarat, known for exploiting the new ball with natural movement and consistently bowling in the channel, which has made him India U19’s go-to opening bowler over the past year.
He has been representing Gujarat right from U16 days, but his first breakthrough came during the 2024-25 U19 Vinoo Mankad Trophy where Henil impressed by taking 15 wickets in nine matches for Gujarat, a kind of performance that earned him selection for India U19 Centre of Excellence camp.
Henil’s consistency led to selection for India U19’s England tour in the summer of 2025, where he made his Youth ODI debut and has taken 18 wickets in 12 appearances so far, including a five-wicket haul now against USA.
Henil Patel: A key piece in India’s title push
With Henil Patel leading the pace attack, India will look to stay at their best as they chase another U19 World Cup title. Looking at the conditions in Zimbabwe, early breakthroughs and disciplined bowling will be crucial as the tournament progresses.
Notably, India are the most successful U19 World Cup team, having won the title a record five times. With talents like Vaibhav Suryavanshi, captain Ayush Mhatre, and bowlers such as Deepesh Devendran alongside Henil Patel, India will aim to lift their historic sixth crown.
