U19 World Cup: Ayush Mhatre's 24-Ball Fifty Powers India Past New Zealand; Nihar Parmar's All-Round Heroics Seal Japan's Historic First World Cup Win

The Under-19 World Cup 2025-26 witnessed two contrasting yet equally compelling narratives on January 24, 2026. While India's young guns continued their dominant run with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over New Zealand to top Group B, Japan etched their name in cricket history books by securing their first-ever World Cup victory at any level.

India vs New Zealand: Ambrish and Mhatre Steal the Show

Bowling Masterclass Sets Up Victory

India's decision to field first proved inspired as RS Ambrish delivered a devastating spell that left New Zealand's batting order in tatters. The right-arm seamer struck early and often, claiming four wickets for just 29 runs to dismantle the Kiwi lineup.

The powerplay was nothing short of a nightmare for New Zealand. Ambrish removed Hugo Bogue and had New Zealand reeling, while Henil Patel contributed with crucial breakthroughs, including a caught-behind dismissal. When rain interrupted play, New Zealand were already struggling at 17 for 3.

New Zealand's Batting Woes Continue

After the weather delay reduced the innings to 37 overs, New Zealand's troubles only deepened. They slumped to 22 for 5 and then 69 for 7, with the Indian bowlers refusing to relent. Henil Patel finished with impressive figures of 3 for 23, complementing Ambrish's four-wicket haul.

The only resistance came from an eighth-wicket partnership between Callum Samson and Selwin Sanjay. Samson remained unbeaten on 37, while Sanjay contributed 28 in their 53-run stand. However, once Sanjay became Ambrish's final victim, Patel returned to clean up the tail, bundling New Zealand out for 135.

Mhatre's Explosive Fifty Seals the Chase

With a revised target under the DLS method, India lost opener Aaraon George in the second over. What followed was a batting exhibition that showcased India's depth and firepower.

Captain Ayush Mhatre and the talented Vaibhav Sooryavanshi combined for a breathtaking partnership, plundering 76 runs in just 6.3 overs. Sooryavanshi was in devastating form, smashing two fours and three sixes in his 23-ball 40 before a stunning catch by Mason Clarke at mid-off ended his cameo.

Mhatre, however, was in no mood to let the momentum slip. The Indian captain launched a brutal assault on the New Zealand bowling, clearing the ropes six times and adding two fours to bring up his half-century off a mere 24 balls. His aggressive approach killed any hopes of a New Zealand comeback.

Though Mhatre fell to Sanjay shortly after reaching his milestone, Vedant Trivedi calmly knocked off the winning runs to complete a dominant seven-wicket victory for India.

Japan vs Tanzania: Parmar Writes History

A Historic Moment for Japanese Cricket

In the 15th/16th place play-off, Nihar Parmar delivered one of the most complete all-round performances of the tournament to guide Japan to their maiden World Cup victory. The result marked a significant milestone for Japanese cricket and a moment they had been waiting for since their debut at the 2020 U19 World Cup.

Parmar's Bowling Brilliance

Tanzania, playing in their first-ever World Cup at any level, elected to bat after winning the toss. Opener Acrey Hugo provided early stability, forging a crucial 79-run partnership with Ayaan Sharrif. Hugo's well-crafted 55 and Sharrif's supporting 40 represented the backbone of Tanzania's innings.

However, once these two were dismissed at 81 for 2 and 118 for 3 respectively, Tanzania's innings collapsed spectacularly. The last seven wickets fell for just 13 runs as Parmar's leg-spin proved unplayable. His figures of 4 for 30 were brilliantly supported by Nikhil Pol, who claimed 3 for 23 to restrict Tanzania to 131 all out.

Clinical Chase Caps Perfect Day

The run chase was a study in controlled aggression. Parmar, opening the batting, and Taylor Waugh constructed a magnificent 122-run partnership for the first wicket, batting through 27 overs to take the game away from Tanzania almost single-handedly.

Waugh was unfortunate to be run out on 47, agonizingly close to a deserved half-century. But Hugo Tani-Kelly walked in with intent, striking a four and a six in quick succession to finish the match in style. Parmar remained unbeaten on 53, completing an unforgettable all-round display.

Tournament Implications and Future Outlook

India's victory confirms their position at the top of Group B with an unbeaten record after three matches, underlining their credentials as strong contenders for the title. The performances of Ambrish, Mhatre, and Sooryavanshi suggest India have the talent pool to challenge for the trophy.

For Japan, this victory represents more than just a win—it's validation of their cricketing development program. Having lost the same 16th place play-off to Nigeria in their 2020 debut, securing a victory this time around marks genuine progress for the associate nation.

Tanzania, despite finishing with the wooden spoon in their maiden World Cup appearance, will take valuable experience from this tournament. Their performances, particularly from Hugo and Sharrif, offer hope for the future of cricket in East Africa.

As the tournament progresses toward the knockout stages, India's dominant form makes them the team to beat, while Japan can celebrate a historic achievement that will inspire the next generation of Japanese cricketers.