U19 World Cup 2026 Live Updates: The ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 began with unexpected drama as India’s opening match against the USA witnessed not just an early wicket but repeated disruptions that brought the contest to a halt three times.
India U19 captain Ayush Mhatre won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that paid immediate dividends. The Indian bowling unit dominated proceedings, skittling out the USA for just 107 runs in 35.2 overs. Right-arm spinner Henil Patel starred with the ball, claiming a five-wicket haul and dismantling the American batting lineup.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Falls Early
Chasing a modest target, Indian fans were eager to watch young batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi unleash his aggressive stroke play. However, expectations were cut short almost instantly. In the third over, USA bowler Ritvik Appidi delivered a perfectly pitched ball that angled in sharply.
Suryavanshi attempted an attacking shot on the on-side, but the ball took the inside edge and crashed into the leg stump. The left-hander departed after scoring just 2 runs off 4 balls, triggering wild celebrations in the USA camp.
Match Hit by Repeated Interruptions
Soon after the wicket, the momentum of the game was disrupted. Poor light conditions first forced officials to pause play after four overs of India’s chase. As conditions worsened, rain added to the chaos, leading to multiple stoppages.
In total, the match was interrupted three separate times, frustrating players and fans alike and delaying what looked like a straightforward chase for India.
Henil Patel Shines Bright on World Cup Debut, Gives India a New Fast-Bowling Prospect
A Stop-Start Beginning to the Tournament
The opening game of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup thus turned into a stop-start affair, overshadowed by weather concerns rather than on-field action. While India remained firmly in control despite the early loss of Suryavanshi, the repeated halts took the rhythm out of the contest.
With weather playing spoilsport on Day 1 itself, teams will be hoping for clearer skies as the tournament progresses and the focus returns to cricket rather than conditions.
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