India’s Under-19 World Cup campaign got off to a winning start on Thursday, thanks largely to a fiery spell from fast bowler Henil Patel and a composed knock from Abhigyan Kundu, while West Indies began their tournament with a comfortable victory over Tanzania.
Playing in Bulawayo, India defeated the USA by six wickets in a rain-affected Group C encounter. Henil was the standout performer, registering the first five-wicket haul of the tournament as the USA were bowled out for 107.
The right-arm pacer used extra bounce and movement cleverly, finishing with figures of 5 for 16 and repeatedly breaking partnerships just as they began to form.
India’s chase, however, was far from straightforward. Reduced to 24 for 3 after multiple rain interruptions, the five-time champions briefly wobbled. Kundu, continuing his rich vein of form after a prolific Asia Cup, held the innings together with a calm, unbeaten 42. He found support from Kanishk Chouhan as India crossed the line under the DLS method.
Earlier in the day, West Indies U-19 eased past Tanzania by five wickets in Windhoek. After restricting Tanzania to 122, thanks to disciplined bowling led by Vitel Lawes, the Caribbean side chased down the target comfortably. Tanez Francis struck a fluent half-century, sharing a decisive partnership with Jewel Andrew to ensure a smooth start to their campaign.
Elsewhere, the match between Zimbabwe and Scotland was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain, leaving both sides to share points.