Henil Patel stole the show with a sensational five-wicket haul as India U19 cruised to a six-wicket win over USA U19 in a rain-affected ICC Under-19 World Cup opener on Thursday. The right-arm pacer ran through the USA middle order with ruthless precision, finishing with outstanding figures of 5/16 from seven overs, including a maiden, as India opted to bowl under cloudy conditions. The visitors were bundled out for just 107 in 35.2 overs, leaving India with a modest target. Rain interrupted India’s chase, reducing the revised target to 96 in 37 overs under the DLS method. India had made a cautious start, reaching 21/1 in four overs before the weather intervened. Once play resumed, 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fell early for 2, bowled by Ritvik Appidi (2/24 in five overs) after attempting a risky step down the pitch. Skipper Ayush Mhatre showed intent with two boundaries but could not stay long, falling for 19. Vedant Trivedi (2) and vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra (18) also departed, leaving India slightly wobbling at 70/4.
Abhigyan Kundu then anchored the innings, scoring a patient 42 not out from 41 balls, guiding India to victory with composure and ensuring Kanishk Chouhan (10 not out) stayed unbeaten at the other end. Henil’s brilliance with the ball had set the tone early. He struck in his first over, catching Amrinder Gill (1) behind the slips, then had Sahil Garg (16) caught at third man. He dismantled the USA captain Utkarsh Srivastava for a duck and Arjun Mahesh (16) in the same over. Khilan Patel added to the damage, trapping Amogh Arepally (3), while Nitish Sudini’s 36 offered the only resistance. Henil returned to clean up the tail, sending Sabrish Prasad (7) and Rishabh Shimpi (0) back to the pavilion. With this win, India begin their Group B campaign confidently alongside Bangladesh and New Zealand. Brief Scores: USA: 107 in 35.2 overs (Nitish Sudini 36; Henil Patel 5/16) India: 99/4 in 17.2 overs (Abhigyan Kundu 42*, Ritvik Appidi 2/24)
