India U19 vs USA U19 World Cup: India cruise past USA in rain-hit Under-19 World Cup match

India Under-19 registered a comfortable six-wicket victory over USA Under-19 in their ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026 clash, riding on a brilliant five-wicket haul from Henil Patel and a composed batting effort in a rain-affected chase.

Rain and lightning interruptions repeatedly halted play during India’s chase, forcing a revision of the target. When play finally resumed, India were set a target of 96 runs in 37 overs under the DLS method.

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India’s innings began with Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre opening the batting. However, Suryavanshi endured a disappointing outing, falling for just four runs when he was only six runs away from surpassing Virat Kohli’s record for the fastest 1,000 runs in Youth ODIs.

USA U19 fought back with a couple of quick wickets, as Ritvik Appidi impressed with the ball, removing Mhatre and Vedant Trivedi to briefly raise hopes. However, Abhigyan Kundu anchored the chase with a mature unbeaten knock, displaying composure and timing to keep India on track.

Kundu found able support from Vihaan Malhotra as the pair rebuilt the innings and guided India steadily towards the target. The chase was sealed in style when Kundu smashed a six down the ground, taking India home with six wickets in hand.

For his outstanding spell with the ball, Henil Patel was deservedly named Player of the Match. Speaking after the game, he said he enjoyed the assistance from the pitch and focused on bowling a fuller length early before adjusting as conditions improved.

With this win, India made a strong start to their Under-19 World Cup campaign, showcasing depth in both bowling and batting despite multiple weather interruptions.

Henil Patel’s fifer helps skittle USA U19 for 107

The standout performer was Henil Patel, who ripped through the batting lineup with a magnificent five-wicket haul, showcasing the perfect blend of movement, bounce, and relentless accuracy.

Speaking after his spell, Henil Patel said at mid-innings:

“I had a look at the wicket and felt I would get good movement off a 4-5 metre length, so that’s what I concentrated on. I like pitches with movement and bounce. The preparations have been good. I’ve been constantly talking to the coaches. They’re all experienced, they’ve played World Cups before, and they make sure we’re under no pressure, which allows us to go out there and execute.”

The USA struggled to cope with the consistency of the Indian attack, losing wickets at regular intervals and failing to stitch together meaningful partnerships. Nitish Sudini was the lone fighter for the USA, scoring the maximum 36 runs off 52 balls before the innings folded.

Henil Patel set the tone early, striking in his very first over by removing Amrinder Gill, caught by Vihaan Malhotra. India tightened the screws soon after, as Deepesh Devendran dismissed Sahil Garg, with Patel completing the catch to leave the USA reeling at 29/2.

The decisive blow came in the 11th over, when Patel returned to the attack and produced a stunning double breakthrough. He first dismissed USA captain Utkarsh Srivastava for a duck, a massive setback for the visitors, before striking again in the same over to remove Arjun Mahesh, safely caught by R.S. Ambrish.

India’s momentum continued unabated. Khilan Patel, the right-arm leg-spinner, joined the act by dismissing Amogh Arepally, caught by Malhotra, while R.S. Ambrish later picked up the wicket of Adnit Jhamb, with Abhigyan Kundu taking the catch. Sharp fielding further dented the USA innings as Adit Kappa was run out off Kanishk Chouhan’s bowling.

Patel completed his five-wicket haul by removing Sabrish Prasad and then Rishabh Shimpi, while Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the left-arm orthodox spinner, chipped in by dismissing Nitish Sudini, caught by Khilan Patel, to wrap up the innings.

#TeamIndia’s fast bowler, Henil Patel, bags the opening wicket! #USA’s Amrinder Gill gets done by the bounce and edges it straight to the fielder. ☝️#ICCMensU19WC | #INDvUSA LIVE NOW ➡️ https://t.co/RdmIHbr8CB pic.twitter.com/bJZA39yBRh

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 15, 2026

India vs USA U19 World Cup: Playing XIs

India U19 XI

Ayush Mhatre (c), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi, Vihaan Malhotra, Abighyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Pangalia, RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Khilan Patel

USA U19 XI

Sahil Garg, Amrinder Gill, Arjun Mahesh (wk), Utkarsh Srivastava (c), Ritvik Appidi, Adnit Jhamb, Amogh Arepally, Nitish Sudini, Sabrish Prasad, Adit Kappa, Rishabh Shimpi