U19 World Cup: India survive USA scare as Henil, Kundu seal tense win

India began their U19 World Cup 2026 campaign with a win, but not without a reminder that youth tournaments rarely offer easy passages. Despite being overwhelming favourites, India U-19 were pushed into a tense finish by a disciplined USA side before sealing a six-wicket victory via the DLS method in a rain-hit Group B encounter on Thursday.

The match belonged to two young Indians who showed contrasting but equally vital skills. Fast bowler Henil Patel produced a devastating spell with the ball, while wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu held his nerve in a tricky chase to ensure India crossed the line.

Opting to bowl first under overcast skies, India immediately reaped the rewards of favourable conditions. Henil, relishing the movement on offer, tore through the American top order with relentless accuracy and pace. The right-arm seamer struck in his opening over and never allowed USA to settle, finishing with outstanding figures of 5 for 16 from seven overs, including a maiden.

USA never recovered from the early blows. Their batting order struggled to handle the seam and bounce, losing wickets at regular intervals. While Nitish Sudini offered brief resistance with a composed 36, the innings folded for 107 in 35.2 overs, giving India what looked like a routine target.

However, conditions and interruptions ensured the chase was anything but straightforward.

India’s innings was repeatedly disrupted by rain and lightning, forcing revisions to the target and breaking the batting rhythm. When play finally resumed, the revised equation asked India to score 96 runs in 37 overs — still modest, but demanding discipline.

Instead, early wickets brought USA back into the contest. Aggressive intent from the Indian top order resulted in soft dismissals, leaving the side wobbling at 25 for three. With the pressure mounting, Kundu and vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra resisted the temptation to force the pace, opting for placement and patience.

Kundu, in particular, stood out for his adaptability. Assessing the surface quickly, he focused on rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries. His unbeaten 42 off 41 balls became the backbone of India’s recovery, ensuring there were no further scares as the target was reached with composure.

The final margin — six wickets — does not fully reflect how uncomfortable the contest became at times. For India, the match served as an early lesson in respecting conditions and opposition, especially with stronger teams awaiting in the tournament.

For USA, despite the loss, the performance offered encouragement, particularly with the ball and in their ability to exploit India’s impatience.

India will take confidence from Henil’s match-winning spell and Kundu’s calm under pressure, but the narrow escape underlined that dominance at this level still requires control as much as talent.