The Indian Under-19 squad continued their rampage, defeating New Zealand by seven wickets via Duckworth-Lewis in the World Cup group stage, notching a third straight win and Group B supremacy. Rain-shortened drama at Queens Sports Club only highlighted India’s superiority.
New Zealand, batting first post-toss loss, folded for 135 in 36.2 overs of their 37-over allocation. Early blows: 5/1 (Hugo Bog 0), 17/3 (Tom Jones 2), rain delay, then 22/5. Key fights back – Sandhu-Coter 37, Sanjay-Samson 53 (Samson 37*, Sanjay 28) – couldn’t salvage.
India’s attack was lethal: RS Ambrish 4/29 (8 overs), Henil Patel 3 wickets. Khilan Patel, Anan, Chauhan shared spoils.
Target 130 chased in 13.3 overs. Early wobble at 11/1 (Aaron George 7), then explosion: Suryavanshi-Mhatre 76/1 in 39 balls. Suryavanshi 40 (23 balls, 3×6, 2×4), Mhatre 53 (27 balls, 6×6, 2×4). Trivedi (13*)-Malhotra (17*) 29* partnership iced it.
Super Sixes beckon: Zimbabwe Jan 27, Pakistan Feb 1. The Indo-Pak clash looms large, with India in ominous form.