U19 World Cup 2024 (Game 25) – India vs New Zealand
In a spectacular display of cricket prowess, India Under-19 registered a resounding statement win, crushing New Zealand Under-19 by a massive margin of 214 runs in their Super Six encounter of the 2024 Under-19 World Cup. Defending champions India not only showcased their dominance but also secured a formidable position in the semifinals with their biggest win under captain Uday Saharan’s leadership.
The Indian bowlers set the tone early in the match, with Raj Limbani making a significant impact by taking a wicket off the very first ball and concluding the first over with a double-wicket maiden. A strategic move by introducing Saumy Pandey with the new ball proved fruitful, as Pandey struck twice in successive overs, adding to the Kiwis’ woes. Naman Tiwari and Musheer Khan joined the bowling assault, and Pandey, upon his return to the attack, contributed with additional wickets, ultimately paving the way for Musheer Khan to complete the formalities. India’s bowling unit was relentless, giving the Kiwi batters no room to breathe.
In the batting department, New Zealand Under-19 captain Oscar Johnson’s decision to insert India into bat backfired as India amassed a formidable total of 295 for 8 in 50 overs. Despite the early departure of Arshin Kulkarni, Adarsh Singh and Musheer Khan orchestrated an outstanding partnership during the Powerplay. While Adarsh contributed with a crisp half-century, Musheer continued his fine form with a sensible knock of 131. The lower order chipped in, and for New Zealand, Mason Clarke was the standout bowler with career-best figures of 4 for 62.
The Kiwi response, however, was marred by India’s relentless bowling attack. New Zealand found themselves reeling at 81 for 10 in 28.1 overs, failing to recover from losing four wickets in the first Powerplay. India’s Saumy Kumar Pandey, Musheer Khan, and Raj Limbani wreaked havoc on the Kiwi batting lineup, leaving them with a daunting task. Despite the efforts of Oscar Jackson, Zac Cumming, and Alex Thompson to hold on, the Kiwis succumbed to the relentless pressure and were eventually bowled out for 81.
New Zealand’s defeat not only leaves them with a substantial hit to their net run rate but also poses a significant challenge to their semifinal aspirations in the 2024 Under-19 World Cup.
Chief Scores :
India U19 – 295 for 8 in 50 overs (Musheer Khan 131, Adarsh Singh 52, Uday Saharan 34, Mason Clarke 4 for 62, Ryan Tsourgas 1 for 28, Zac Alan James Cumming 1 for 37)
New Zealand U19 – 81 for 10 in 28.1 overs (Oscar Thomas Jackson 19, Zan Alan James Cumming 16, Alexander Xavier Thompson 12, Saumy Kumar Pandey 4 for 19, Musheer Khan 2 for 10, Raj Limbani 2 for 17)
