Trivedi, spinners lead charge as Pakistan surrender in chase

India produced a disciplined performance to defeat Pakistan by 58 runs and secure the final semifinal spot in the 2026 Under-19 World Cup. They will face Afghanistan next.

A measured half-century from Vedant Trivedi and a composed spin attack led by captain Ayush Mhatre proved decisive on a tricky Queens Sports Club surface in Bulawayo. Pakistan's chase of 252 never found clarity or conviction, ending at 194.

Pakistan's Chase Loses Its Way

The defining thread of the contest was Pakistan's curious approach. With Net Run Rate in play, chasing 252 in 33.3 overs would have secured qualification. Pakistan, however, appeared to focus solely on victory and ended up with neither.

Openers showed initial intent, with Hamza Zahoor racing to 42 off 49 balls. Pakistan reached 56 for 1 in the PowerPlay. However, spin shifted the rhythm decisively. Zahoor's dismissal, bowled attempting to sweep Kanishk Chouhan, triggered a retreat.

Dot balls piled up as qualification drifted away. Across the first 21 overs, they played 80 dots. A 35-ball boundary drought was only snapped by Farhan Yousaf in the 22nd over.

Usman Khan anchored one end with a laboured 66 off 92 balls. Yousaf injected brief momentum with a run-a-ball 38 before falling. Sensing the moment, captain Ayush Mhatre brought himself on and struck immediately, removing Ahmed Hussain first ball.

Usman Khan followed soon after, trapped lbw. When Ali Hassan Baloch was dismissed, any distant hope of victory vanished. Pakistan lost their last six wickets for just 26 runs.

India's Recovery with the Bat

Earlier, India's innings followed an arc of early promise, sudden peril, and eventual recovery. Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed 30 off 22 balls as India raced to 47. Then, in five deliveries, Pakistan struck thrice to reduce India to 47 for 3.

Vedant Trivedi and Vihaan Malhotra restored order with a watchful 62-run stand. Trivedi's 68 off 98 balls was an exercise in patience, holding the innings together.

At 182 for 6 in the 41st over, India looked light. Then came the decisive surge. Kanishk Chouhan and Khilan Patel launched a fearless assault at the death, plundering 50 runs in 31 balls to lift India to a total of 252.

Brief scores:
India 252 in 49.5 overs (Vedant Trivedi 68, Kanishk Chouhan 35; Abdul Subhan 3-33)
Pakistan 194 in 46.2 overs (Usman Khan 66; Ayush Mhatre 3-21, Khilan Patel 3-35)
India won by 58 runs