The historic Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo became the center of cricket nerves and sheer joy on 1 February 2026. Super Sixes, in a Group 2 encounter. ICC Under-19 Men’s World Cup, India U-19 did not win only one match; they claimed bragging rights by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan with a clinical 58-run victory. The 36th match of the tournament lived up to its billing as the Young Blues displayed nerves of steel to defend the competitive total that sparked celebrations in the Indian diaspora.
Vedant Trivedi and late order surge set the tone for India
After winning the toss and electing to bat, India immediately faced a storm. Pakistan’s bowling spearhead, Muhammad Sayamhe struck gold out of the 8th over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (30) and Capt Ayush Mhatre (0) on back-to-back deliveries. When Abdul Subhan cleaned up Aaron George soon after, India were reeling at 47/3.
However, the middle order showed great character. Vedant Trivedi It has become the much-needed anchor for India. His sick but authoritative 68 off 98 balls steadied the innings. Trivedi found capable partners I hate Malhotra (21) and Abhigyan Kundu (16), taking India past 150.
The real change of pace happened in Powerplay 3. As Pakistan wanted to close its tail, Kanishk Chouhan (35) and Khylan Patel (21) He put up a 50-run partnership for the 8th wicket in just 30 balls. This late innings attack took India to 252 in 49.5 overs. Subhan was the pick of the Pakistani bowlers, finishing with figures of 3/33, but the psychological damage of late runs had already been done.
Ayush Mhatre and Khilan Patel stifled Pakistan’s chase
Pakistan’s reply started with intent but lacked the discipline required to chase down 253. Despite losing an early hiccup Sameer Minhas for 9, Hamza Zahur (42) and Osman Khan built a solid foundation. Usman in particular looked dangerous, hitting a well-crafted half-century (66 off 92 balls) and keeping Pakistan in the hunt for 151/2.
When the turning point came on the 30th RS Ambrish dismissed the Pakistani captain Farhan Yusiffor 38. This led to a catastrophic collapse. Indian captain Mhatre made up for his duck with the bat by turning the game around with the ball. His tactical off-spin accounted for three crucial wickets, including a set by Usman, who finished with elite figures of 3/21.
Chouhan’s pressure (1/30 in 10) created a stranglehold that Pakistan could not break. Patel then polished off his tail by taking 3 wickets for 35 runs. Pakistan lost the last 8 wickets for just 43 runs to reach 194 in 46.2 overs. As the final wicket fell, an explosion erupted in the stadium, confirming Pakistan’s exit from the tournament and India’s dominance in the age group category.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
🚨 AYUSH MHATRE LED INDIA TO THE SEMI-FINALS OF THE U-19 WORLD CUP 💛🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/RXl67BeWll
– Jones. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 1, 2026
INDIA U19 vs PAK 🇮🇳💪
Pakistan were cruising at 151/2 but India pulled it back brilliantly and restricted them to 184/8 👏
Finally a great performance from Ayush Mhatre 🎯
3/18 at 7 – game-changing magic 💥🔥#INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/DHlWVWGzmG— cinecricX (@cinecricX) February 1, 2026
🚨 INDIA qualified for the semi-finals of the U-19 World Cup. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/f5GaEfavAF
— SUDERGODARA (@SUNDERGODARA1) February 1, 2026
✓Congratulations India U19 team..
✓ Qualified for the World Cup semi-finals.
✓Pakistan needed to finish the match on 34 to qualify, but the way they played it seems they were more interested in winning the match than qualifying. #U19 World Cup2026#INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/fTrOqPUL2A— Vishal S. Patil (@patilweshall) February 1, 2026
India beat Pakistan in U19 World Cup
– India qualified for the semi-finals
– Pakistan was out of the tournamentAyush and Xilan chose 3 doors 💛 pic.twitter.com/LTPsECtaM1
— Prakash (@definitelynot05) February 1, 2026
India defeated USA by 6 goals.
– India beat BAN by 18 runs.
– India beat NZ by 7 wickets.
– India beat ZIM by 204 runs.
– India beat PAK by 48 runs.5 IN 5 WINS FOR TEAM INDIAN IN THIS U19 WORLD CUP – REIGN. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/RdEzAdEmON
— Rakeshcricket (@Rcm494) February 1, 2026
India beat Pakistan in U19 WC, even after age cheating and sending 25+ guys they can’t win U19. So they are afraid of being humiliated in T20WC against India, so they are boycotting this drama. #INDvsPAK#U19 World Cup2026 #T20WorldCup2026 https://t.co/lLU2ma2MfE pic.twitter.com/kNXvTYrZb3
— chirag khetan (@chiragkhetan1) February 1, 2026
🚨 INDIA defeated Pakistan in the U-19 World Cup. 🚨#U19 World Cup #INDvPAK #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/FGMJswkGkp
— 𝐑𝐢𝐭𝐬𝐡. (@CrickRitesh_18) February 1, 2026
India U19 beat Pakistan U19 by 58 runs 🔥 pic.twitter.com/9gd5O59KDm
— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) February 1, 2026
AFGHANISTAN U19 VS INDIA U19 WORLD CUP SEMI-FINALS 🏆
– On February 4, Afghanistan will face India in the semi-finals of the U-19 World Cup. ✅ pic.twitter.com/6XrDknet6T
— ACB Xtra (@acb_190) February 1, 2026
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Ayush Badoni, Priyansh Arya named in squad for India warm-up games
