U19 World Cup Super Sixes: Vihaan Malhotra's Stunning Century Powers India Past Zimbabwe; Pakistan Pacers Demolish New Zealand

The 2026 Under-19 World Cup Super Sixes stage witnessed two commanding performances as India crushed Zimbabwe by 204 runs in Bulawayo, while Pakistan dismantled New Zealand by eight wickets with a staggering 197 balls to spare in Harare. Both Asian giants have set the tone for what promises to be an enthralling Group 2 battle, with a high-profile India-Pakistan clash looming on the horizon.

India's Clinical Victory Over Zimbabwe

Malhotra Anchors India to Imposing Total

Vihaan Malhotra delivered a masterclass in controlled aggression, remaining unbeaten on 109 as India posted a mammoth 352 for 8 against Zimbabwe. The right-hander's maiden century of the tournament came at a crucial juncture, providing the stability India needed after losing key wickets in clusters.

The innings began with explosive intent as openers Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Aaron George plundered 44 runs in the first four overs. Sooryavanshi was particularly destructive, racing to his fifty off just 24 balls—equalling captain Ayush Mhatre's record for the joint-second fastest half-century of the tournament.

However, Zimbabwe's left-arm medium-pacer Tatenda Chimugoro provided crucial breakthroughs, removing both Sooryavanshi and Mhatre in the space of three deliveries. His impressive figures of 3-49 gave Zimbabwe momentary hope, but it proved to be a brief respite.

Kundu-Malhotra Partnership Breaks Zimbabwe's Resistance

The game-changing moment arrived when Abhigyan Kundu joined Malhotra at the crease. The duo constructed a magnificent 113-run partnership off 115 deliveries, effectively taking the match away from the hosts. Kundu, continuing his rich vein of form with a second consecutive fifty, contributed 61 off 62 balls, striking five fours and a six before falling to an attempted inside-out drive.

Malhotra's century arrived in the penultimate over with a touch of fortune—an inside edge racing to the boundary as he attempted a cover drive. The late acceleration came through partnerships with RS Ambrish (52-run stand) and Khilan Patel, who blazed 30 off just 12 balls, including back-to-back sixes in the final over to propel India past 350.

Indian Bowlers Complete the Rout

Zimbabwe's chase never gained momentum. RS Ambrish struck early, trapping Nathaniel Hlabangana lbw on the second ball of the innings, setting the tone for a difficult evening for the hosts.

While Leeroy Chiwaula showed commendable resistance with a fighting 62, his lone battle could not alter the inevitable outcome. Chiwaula's dismissal—slicing a short, wide delivery from debutant Udhav Mohan to mid-off—triggered a dramatic collapse that saw Zimbabwe lose their last six wickets for just six runs.

Captain Mhatre capped a fine all-round display with three late wickets, while Ambrish and Mohan shared five wickets between them. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 148 with 12.2 overs remaining.

Pakistan's Pace Attack Destroys New Zealand

Raza and Subhan Lead Devastating Bowling Display

In Harare, Pakistan's seam attack produced a clinical demolition job on New Zealand, bundling them out for a mere 110 in 28.3 overs. Ali Raza (3-36) and Abdul Subhan (4-11) were virtually unplayable, climbing up the tournament's leading wicket-takers chart with their combined seven-wicket haul.

The carnage began early as Raza trapped Marco William Alpe lbw in the third over. While Tom Jones and Hugo Bogue attempted a rebuilding act with a 48-run partnership, left-arm seamer Mohammad Sayyam broke the stand by dismissing Jones.

Subhan then took centre stage, removing Bogue (39) and triggering a stunning collapse. New Zealand's middle order crumbled spectacularly, with numbers 5 to 8 contributing a combined eight runs. Brandon Matzopoulos and Jaskaran Sandhu both fell for ducks as Pakistan's seamers ran riot.

Minhas Powers Pakistan Home in Style

The chase was a mere formality, but Sameer Minhas ensured it became a statement of intent. The opener continued his outstanding tournament form with an unbeaten 76, his second consecutive half-century.

Despite losing Hamza Zahoor early, Minhas dominated a 67-run partnership with Usman Khan, who contributed just 15 runs while his partner attacked from the other end. Minhas struck ten fours and two sixes in his commanding knock.

The finishing touch came with theatrical flourish—Minhas and Farhan Yousaf (11*) sealed the victory with consecutive sixes off the final two balls, completing an eight-wicket triumph with 197 deliveries to spare.

Fielding and Team Leadership Insights

India's Balanced Approach Under Mhatre

Captain Ayush Mhatre demonstrated shrewd leadership, rotating his bowlers effectively and stepping up himself when needed. His decision to introduce Udhav Mohan for his tournament debut proved inspired, with the medium-pacer delivering crucial breakthroughs.

India's fielding was sharp throughout, with clean catching and athletic ground work supporting their bowlers' efforts. The disciplined approach in the field ensured Zimbabwe found no easy runs during their chase.

Pakistan's Ruthless Efficiency

Pakistan's victory was marked by clinical efficiency in both departments. The decision to unleash the pace battery in helpful morning conditions paid rich dividends, while the batting unit showed maturity in chasing down the modest target without unnecessary risks.

The net run-rate boosting nature of the victory could prove crucial in Group 2 standings, reflecting smart tournament awareness from the Pakistan management.

Looking Ahead: The Stage is Set

Both India and Pakistan have sent strong signals to their Super Sixes rivals with these comprehensive victories. The results keep Group 2 alive and set the stage for what promises to be a blockbuster encounter when these two subcontinental giants meet in their upcoming fixture.

For India, the form of Malhotra and Kundu in the batting department, combined with a versatile bowling attack, makes them formidable opponents. Pakistan, meanwhile, will look to their devastating pace trio and the in-form Minhas to continue their winning momentum.

With both teams firing on all cylinders, the 2026 U19 World Cup is delivering exactly the kind of compelling cricket that has made this tournament a breeding ground for future international stars.