Bulawayo, Jan 15: India began their ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup campaign on a winning note, defeating the United States by six wickets (via DLS method) at the Queens Sports Club, thanks to a fiery spell from pacer Henil Patel, who claimed the tournament’s first five-wicket haul.

Put into bat after India won the toss, the USA struggled against Patel’s pace and accuracy. Rright-arm quick bowler Patel ripped through the top order, striking thrice within the first dozen overs to leave the USA reeling at 35/4.

The middle order offered little resistance as Deepesh Devendran, Ambarish RS, Khilan Patel, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi chipped in with wickets. Patel returned to polish off the tail, finishing with figures of 5/16 as the USA folded for 107 in 35.2 overs.

The USA struck back early with the ball, dismissing debutant Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who nevertheless etched his name in the record books. At 14 years and 294 days, Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to feature in an Under-19 World Cup, surpassing the previous record held by Nitish Kumar of Canada.

India’s chase was interrupted by lightning protocols and rain, reducing the target to 96 in 37 overs. The revised pursuit began shakily, with skipper Ayush Mhatre (19) and Vedant Trivedi (2) falling cheaply, leaving India at 25/3.

However, Abhigyan Kundu steadied the innings with an unbeaten 42, supported by Vihaan Malhotra in a crucial 45-run stand. Despite Malhotra’s dismissal, India crossed the line comfortably, securing their first points in Group A.

India, five-time champions, will next face Bangladesh on Saturday, while the USA meet New Zealand on Sunday, both fixtures scheduled at the same venue.

Brief scores: USA U19 107 all out in 35.2 overs (Nitish Sudini 36; Henil Patel 5-16) lost to India U19 (revised target 96 – Abhigyan Kundu 42 not out; Ritvik Appidi 2-24) by six wickets (DLS method).