India kickstart campaign with comfortable win

USA vs India

Henil Patel led the way as India registered a convincing six-wicket victory over the USA in their opening Group A encounter of the 2026 Under-19 World Cup at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. Opting to bowl first, India's bowling was led by a sensational performance from Henil Patel. The pacer ripped through the American batting order to claim a five-wicket haul, effectively dismantling their top and middle-order. The disciplined bowling meant India bundled out the USA for a meagre 107 in 35.2 overs with Nitish Sudini offering any significant resistance for the USA with a gritty 36.

India's chase was briefly interrupted by rain and the early loss of Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who was bowled for 2 by Ritvik Appidi. However, the weather cleared sufficiently for India to complete the task with clinical efficiency. The reduced target was 96, and Abhigyan Kundu led the charge with a 41-ball 42 not out to help India recover from 25/3 and complete the formalities in under 18 overs. Henil was the undisputed choice for Player of the Match for his match-defining figures of 7-1-16-5.

Tanzania vs West Indies

West Indies secured a dominant five-wicket victory over Tanzania in their Group D opener of the 2026 Under-19 World Cup. After electing to field, the West Indies bowling attack, led by Vitel Lawes (3-23), dismantled the Tanzanian lineup while Shaquan Belle (2-23) and Micah McKenzie (2-15) provided expert support with two wickets apiece. Tanzania struggled to build any momentum once the opening stand of 53 was broken, and were shot down for just 122 in 34 overs. Dylan Thakrar top-scored with a patient 26, and Darpan Jobanputra contributed 19, but the lack of substantial partnerships left them with a subpar total.

The West Indies run chase was clinical, reaching the target in just 21 overs. Opener Tanez Francis played the anchor with a brisk 55-ball 52 that included five boundaries and a six. Wicketkeeper-bat Jewel Andrew further accelerated the scoring with a run-a-ball 44. Despite a mini-collapse towards the end, where Raymond Francis and Augustine Mwamele pick up two wickets each, Shamar Apple and Shaquan Belle remained unbeaten to guide their side home comfortably in the end.

Zimbabwe vs Scotland

Hosts Zimbabwe's opening game was washed out entirely. The start was delayed due to the morning rain, but it didn't relent. The officials eventually had to abandon the game without a toss, forcing the team to split points.