Right-arm pacer Henil Patel, who returned figures of 5 for 16, has been named the Player of the Match. He said, "Conditions were normal, there was a bit of swing and I wanted to bowl a fuller length. I like his aggression (on his favourite bowler Dale Steyn). I pulled my length back as the game progressed and the conditions became better)."

Abhigyan Kundu smashes a SIX down the ground, and that’s the win for India U19! They seal the game by a margin of 6 wickets! USA U19 fought well at the start of the chase, but they didn’t have enough runs on the board to mount a serious challenge.

Abhigyan Kundu comes down the track and smashed the delivery over the bowler's head for a four. India U19 need only four runs to win the game. They are just a hit away. 

IND U19 92-4 (16.5)

India U19 need 16 runs to win the game. Abhigyan Kundu is unbeaten on 30 off 34 balls. He has dug in his heels at one end and continues to keep the side going in this paltry chase of 96 (revised target).

IND U19 80-4 (15)

USA U19 continue to fight in the game! Utkarsh Srivastava bowled it outside off stump, and Vihaan Malhotra edged it to the fielder at slip. India U19 now need 26 runs to win the game.

IND U19 70-4 (12.3)

USA U19 could have put a bit more pressure on India U19, but they missed out on a run-out opportunity. Vihaan Malhotra pushed the ball to the left of cover and tried to take a quick single. Miscommunication between the batters saw both of them getting stranded in the middle, but a poor throw at the striker’s end allowed them to survive.

IND U19 61-3 (11)

Abhigyan Kundu slams Ritvik Appidi for a four on the final ball of the over! It went through the vacant gully region, and that takes India U19 past the 50-run mark. They now need just 43 more to win.

INDU19 53-3 (9)

Abhigyan Kundu showed his class in the eighth over bowled by Rishabh Shimpi! The left-arm pacer started the over with two fuller deliveries, and Abhigyan drove both of them through the right of mid-on.

INDU19 45-3 (8)

Two quick wickets for USA U19, and they keep believing! But India U19 know they have just 61 runs to score. They need only one good partnership. Abhigyan Kundu and Vihaan Malhotra will look to do the job here. There was a good amount of rain during the resumption of play, but the conditions look better now.

INDU19 35-3 (7)

Ritvik Appidi has claimed yet another wicket! Vedant Trivedi is GONE! It was a short ball, wide outside off stump, and Vedant smashed it hard — straight into the hands of the backward point. Poor shot!

Ayush Mhatre c Amrinder Gill b Rishabh Shimpi 19(19) 

INDU19 25-3 (5.2)

Ritvik Appidi has claimed yet another wicket! Vedant Trivedi is GONE! It was a short ball wide outside off-stump, Vedant smashed it hard right into the hands of the backward point. Poor shot this is!

Vedant Trivedi c Amrinder Gill b Ritvik Appidi 2(10)

INDU19 21-2 (5)

The match resumes after the overs have been reduced and the target has been revised for India U19. They are now chasing 96 in 37 overs.

More good news, folks! The covers have been removed completely, and the USA U19 players are warming up. Indian batters Ayush Mhatre and Vedant Trivedi are also padded up. Will we have a resumption soon? Well, a lot depends on how quickly the water is cleared from the outfield by the ground staff.

It has stopped raining at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. India U19 will hope it doesn’t rain again so they don’t have to share points with USA U19 in a game they could easily win.

The rain has gotten a bit lighter now — you could call it a drizzle. However, the ground remains under cover. The India U19 players are sitting in the dugout, waiting for the rain to stop, so are the players of USA U19.

Not an update the cricket fans would like to read: The rain has gotten heavier at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. Dark clouds loom over the stadium, which means the stoppage is going to be extended.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi was cleaned up while trying to play a big shot. He jumped out of his crease against USA U19 pacer Ritvik Appidi but ended up getting an inside edge onto his stumps.

The stumps and bails are flying everywhere, and Ritvik is pumped!
A tough first outing for Vaibhav Suryavanshi.#Cricket #U19WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/L9d7YVyQls

— CREX (@Crex_live) January 15, 2026

If the rain forces today's match to be abandoned, India U19 will have to share points with USA U19. It will be a huge loss for the Ayush Mhatre-led side as it needs only 87 runs in the remaining 46 overs to win.

It has started raining at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. The ground staff have put the covers on, which means the halt gets extended. If you missed the action so far, India U19 are one down in their chase of 108 runs after losing Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Ayush Mhatre and Vedant Trivedi were the batters in the middle when play was halted.

The players are walking off the ground due to fear of lightning, inform the commentators for the game. It is not raining at the moment, but the umpires might be expecting the weather to get worse. India U19 need 87 more runs to win.

INDU19 21-1 (4)

Ritvik Appidi has bowled Vaibhav Suryavanshi! This is a huge wicket for the USA! The southpaw jumped out of his crease and tried to put the bowler under pressure with a big shot, but he ended up edging it onto his stumps. Suryavanshi is stunned; he cannot believe it. The Indian dressing room is also in disbelief.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi b Ritvik Appidi 2(4)

INDU19 12-1 (2.2)

First boundary for India U19! That is a wonderful drive from Ayush Mhatre for a four. Rishabh Shimpi bowled it fuller around the off-stump and Mhatre drove it through the right of the mid-off fielder.

INDU19 8-0 (1.4)

Hello and welcome to the second innings of the U19 World Cup match between India and USA. In the chase of 108, Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre will be opening the proceedings for India. On the other hand, Ritvik Appidi will be bowling the first over for USA. 

WOAH!!! As we were talking about the rain getting heavier, the god listened to our prayers and stopped the rain. The covers are being removed now and the game shall resume shortly. 

Bad news coming from Bulawayo that the rain is getting heavier. Players of both the teams have gone back to their respective dressing rooms as the groundstaff is waiting for the rain to stop. 

Oh!!! The start of the second innings is off to a delay as rain plays a spoilsport. Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre were out on field when the rain started to pour down. The groundtstaff rushes onto the field and spread the cover. Stay tuned for all the updates. 

"I had a look at the wicket, felt I would get good movement off 4-5m length, that's what I concentrated on. I like pitches with movement and bounce. The preparations have been good, I was constantly talking to the coaches and their contribution has been excellent. All of them are experienced, they've played in WCs before, they share it with us and make sure we're under no pressure, that allows us to go out there and execute," said Henil Patel. 

OUT!!! Ayush Mhatre hands over the ball to Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who comes and dismisses Nitish Sudini for 36. With this, USA have been all out for 107. Sudini became the top-scorer with 36 while Adnit Jhamb scored 18. For India, Henil Patel took five wickets. India need 108 runs to win this match. 

Five-wicket haul! Henil Patel strikes twice in the same over and completes his fifer. He first removes Sabrish Prasad, who was caught by Kanishk Chouhan. Later, he cleans up Rishabh Shimpi for duck. Nine wickets gone for USA. 

USA U19 105/9 (35 overs)

Despite all the batting collapse, USA still manage to cross the 100-run mark. In the previous over of Kanishk Chouhan, Nitish Sudini and Sabrish prasad scored six runs. This included a boundary from Sudini. USA need more of such overs in order to post a good total in 50 overs. 

USA U19 103/7 (34 overs)

Oh No! India miss out on a golden opportunity of getting their eighth wicket of the day. Nitish Sudini goes for the lofted shot on Kanishk Chouhan, gets a leading edge that skies in front of long-on. The fielder at mid-wicket runs back and colloids with long-on fielder. 

USA U19 84/7 (31.2 overs)

OUT!!! What a brilliant piece of fielding from Vihaan Malhotra as he run outs Adit Kappa for five. Kappa plays a shot on Kanish Chouhan's delivery and runs for single. However, Vihaan catches the ball and makes a direct-hit towards the non-striker's end to dismiss Kappa. Seventh wicket gone for USA. 

USA U19 80/7 (29.3 overs)

Nitish Sudini and Adit Kappa are trying to form a partnership and propel USA towards a respectable total. However, Indian bowlers are constantly putting pressure on them, making it difficult for USA batters. In the previous over of PR Ambrish, the duo scored just two runs. 

USA U19 75/6 (27 overs)

The return of pace bowling brings India the 6th USA wicket. RS Ambrish claims his first wicket of the U19 World Cup, getting rid of Adnit Jhamb. The ball edged Jhamb's bat before landing safely into the hands of the wicket-keeper. The umpire had no hesitation in raising his finger. India get the breakthrough.

USA 69/6 (24.5 Overs)

India's all-spin attack hasn't been as effective against USA as pacers were. Khilan Patel and Kanishk Chouhan looking to get more wickets in the middle overs but the Americans have gone into a shell. Runs hared to come by but all USA are determined to achieve is keeping wickets in hand at the moment. 

USA 60/5 (23 Overs)

A partnership begins to form between Adnit Jhamb and Nitish Sudini as USA target better batting returns from their lower middle-order. A boundary in 20th over does instill some belief in the Americans in what has been a dominant show from Indian bowlers so far. 

USA 51/5 (20 overs)

There's no stopping the Indian bowling unit today! Khilan Patel bags his first wicket as he dismisses Vihaan Malhotra for just 3 off 13 balls. It's difficult to see USA even get 100 from here. 

USA U19 39/5 (16 overs)

Good bowling from Deepesh Devendran as USA batters struggle for runs. Deepesh bowls a maiden and add to the pressure on Adnit Jhamb and Amogh Arepally. Both the batters need some boundaries to give USA a chance to fight in this match as their side is moving towards a big collapse. 

USA U19 38/4 (14 overs)

OUT!!! Henil Patel gets another wicket in the same over as USA go four down already. This time, Arjun Mahesh departs for 16. Short delivery outside off, Arjun gets an outside edge on the kitchen sink down to third man. PR Ambrish takes a good catch running to his left. 

USA U19 35/4 (12 overs)

OUT!!! Henil Patel strikes as India get their third wicket of the day. He removes USA skipper Utkarsh Srivastava for duck. Henil beats Utkarsh with his pace as he brings the thick edge to the ball, which then goes and rattles the middle stump. 

USA U19 34/3 (11.2 overs)

OUT!!! Deepesh Devendra grabs the second wicket for India and this time, Sahil Garg becomes his prey. An outside off delivery, Sahil brings the leading edge and plays a cut short towards the third man. Henil Patel runs towards his left and takes a good catch. A brilliant fielding tactic from captain Ayush Mhatre. Second wicket gone for USA. 

USA U19 29/2 (9 overs)

FOUR!!! Arjun Mahesh hits a good boundary on Henil Patel's delivery. Thick outside edge flies over the leaping first slip fielder. Arjun throws his bat to a ball that is well outside off and gets a thick edge. USA need more of these to gain the momentum. 

USA U19 23/1 (7.4 overs)

USA batters are not taking any unnecessary risks and slowly scoring runs. The duo of Arjun Mahesh and Sahil Garg are taking singles and not switching to the attacking mode. 

USA U19 18/1 (7 overs)

WOAH!! That's actually a stunning save from Kanishk Chouhan. Sahil Garg cuts it hard on Henil Patel's delivery in search of a boundary. However, Kanishk dives towards his right and makes a fabulous save. The entire team gathers and gives him a pat on his back for his effort and even the commentors hail him. 

USA U19 7/1 (4 overs)

After the dismissal of Amrinder Gill, Arjun Mahesh joins Sahil Garg at the crease. With the loss of early wicket, USA batters need a solid partnership, in order to bounce back into the match. In the previous over of Deepesh Devendran, the duo scored four runs. 

USA U19 5/1 (3 overs)

OUT!!! Henil Patel strikes early and provides India with a big breakthrough. He removes Amrinder Gill for 1 after Vihaan Malhotra grabs an excellent catch. Henil traps Gill with his amazing delivery as the ball hits the edge and travels to the second slip, where Vihaan dives forward and takes a good catch. 

USA U19 1/1 (1.3 overs)

Deepesh Devendran gives India a dominating start against USA. In the first over, Deepesh concedes just one run as USA openers Sahil Garg and Amrinder Gill play cautiously. The duo will aim for some boundaries in the upcoming overs. 

USA U19 1/0 (1 overs)

The U19 World Cup 2026 match between India and USA finally begins. For USA, Amrinder Gill and Sahil Garg have started the proceedings. The duo aim to stitch a solid opening partnership, in order to get a good start. On the other hand, Deepesh Devendran is bowling the first over for India. 

Players of both the teams are out in the middle for their respective national anthems. As there's no rain now, the match shall begin at the scheduled time without any delay. The highly anticipated moment is here at the U19 World Cup 2026 is about to kick-start. 

United States of America U19 (Playing XI): Sahil Garg, Amrinder Gill, Arjun Mahesh(w), Utkarsh Srivastava(c), Ritvik Appidi, Adnit Jhamb, Amogh Arepally, Nitish Sudini, Sabrish Prasad, Adit Kappa, Rishabh Shimpi

India U19 (Playing XI): Ayush Mhatre(c), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi, Vihaan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu(w), Harvansh Pangalia, RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Khilan Patel

"We would have had a bat first as well. We have three spinners, three pacers, and the rest of them are pacers. It's been good. We have had tours in South Africa, West Indies, and we also came earlier here. So the preparation has been very good. 100%. We're looking forward to win this cup," said Utkarsh Srivastava. 

"We have not used to these conditions and a little bit dewy also and overcast conditions. We will try to use these conditions. The preparation is also good and the boys are really confident and we have been playing for almost six months together, so the boys are really confident and preparation is going well. We are going with three pacers, one all-rounder and two spinners," said Ayush Mhatre. 

The cloud cover in Bulawayo is scary as India vs USA, U19 World Cup match is in jeopardy. The toss has taken place but the weather prediction is also out, calling 50-70 per cent chances of heavy rainfall throughout the day. This is not a sign for a tournament opener, especially for a player like Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who is about to play his historic match. 

India U19 skipper Ayush Mhatre wins the toss, opts to field against USA U19 in the ICC U19 World Cup, Group A match in Bulawayo. 

"The ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup Zimbabwe & Namibia 2026 is a very good platform. Hopefully in the future we will share the dressing room with each other. All the best to the Under-19 Indian team for the World Cup. Enjoy these moments, they will not come again and again in your life. It is a very good base for you all. No pressure, just bring the cup home," said Arshdeep Singh. 

Vaibhav Suryavanshi is on the verge of surpassing star India batter Virat Kohli's big feat. Suryavanshi needs just six more runs to beat Kohli in the list of batters with most runs in Youth ODIs. The 14-year-old star currently has 973 runs in 18 innings while Kohli scored 978 runs in 25 innings. 

With the opening game against USA, India's 14-year-old batting star Vaibhav Suryavanshi will achieve a historic feat. He will become the youngest player in the world to represent his country at the U19 World Cup. He will break Canada's Nitish Kumar's record, who played his U19 World Cup at the age of 15 years and 245 days in 2010. 

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Under-19 Asia Cups have not been India's strongest tournaments, as they lost to Pakistan by 191 runs in a one-sided final last year and to Bangladesh Under-19 in 2024 by 59 runs. So, the big-match ability of Team India will be put to the test.

India U19 has won five series out of six, with a 3-0 clean sweep against Australia at home, a tightly fought 3-2 win over England in the UK, a 3-0 series win against Australia being the highlights. They also secured a 3-0 series win in South Africa.

Spin all-rounder Kanishk Chauhan is the leading bowler heading into the tournament, with 22 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 24.13, with best figures of 3/20. Right-arm pacer Deepesh Devendran has also done a fine job, with 15 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 27.86, with best figures of 3/16.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi is just unstoppable in his approach. So far, he has got a 38-ball century in IPL 2025 for Rajasthan Royals, the fastest 150 in men's List A cricket off 59 deliveries, and India's second-highest Youth ODI score of 171 off 95 balls. His 144 off 42 balls against the UAE in the Asia Cup Rising Stars T20 match added more weight to his glittering resume.

Indian U19 cricket team: Ayush Mhatre (c), Vihaan Malhotra (vc), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Aaron George, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh (wk), R.S. Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Mohamed Enaan, Henil Patel, D. Deepesh, Kishan Kumar Singh, Udhav Mohan.

All eyes will be on the 14-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has scored 973 runs in Youth ODIs at an average of 54.05, with three centuries and four fifties and a best score of 171. His strike rate is over 164, and he is one of the most dangerous batters heading into the tournament.

The India Under-19 team will kickstart its campaign for the record-extending sixth ICC U19 World Cup title against the USA at Bulawayo on Thursday under the captaincy of Ayush Mhatre. Team India, who lost by 79 runs to Australia in the U19 WC 2024 final courtesy a fine spell from Mahli Beardman (3/15), which restricted India to 174 all out in chase of 254, will be aiming for revenge

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the U19 World Cup 2026, opening Group A match between India and USA, straight from the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. Stay tuned for all the live updates.