U19 World Cup: Fahad’s five-for bowls India out for 238

Bangladesh Under-19 made a brilliant start with the ball in their opening match of the Under-19 World Cup in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, as pacer Al Fahad’s devastating spell saw traditional rivals India bowled out for 238. Fahad claimed five wickets in an outstanding bowling performance.

The toss at the Queens Sports Club was delayed due to rain on Saturday. After winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to bowl first and put India under pressure from the outset. In the third over of the innings, pacer Al Fahad raised hopes of a hat-trick by removing India captain Ayush Mhatre, 6, and Vedant Trivedi, 0, off successive deliveries. When Azizul Hakim Tamim dismissed Vihan Malhotra, 7, India were reduced to 53 for 3.

India steadied the innings through a fourth-wicket partnership between Vaibhav Suryabanshi and Abhigyan Kundu. The 62-run stand was broken by Iqbal Hossain Iman when Suryabanshi was caught by Fahad off Iman’s bowling after scoring 72. Play was then interrupted by rain, resulting in the loss of one over.

After the resumption, Bangladesh struck again. Kundu, who survived several chances, was eventually dismissed for 80 by Fahad. Fahad completed his five-wicket haul by removing Deepesh Devendran late in the innings. India were bowled out for 238 before the end of the allotted overs. Bangladesh will need 239 runs to win.