Story by Anashe Murombedzi
ZIMBABWE have missed out on a semifinals place despite some encouraging individual performances in a 204-run defeat to India in their ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Super Six match at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo this Tuesday.
The Young Chevrons won the toss and elected to bowl but were made to pay as five-time champions India piled on a commanding 352 for eight.
Vihaan Malhotra anchored the Indian innings with a well-compiled 109 off 107 deliveries, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added late impetus with a rapid 52 off just 30 balls to set Zimbabwe an imposing chase.
In reply, Zimbabwe showed glimpses of promise through Leeroy Chiwaula, who top-scored with a composed 62 off 77 balls, while Kian Blignaut battled hard for 37 off 73 deliveries.
Tatenda Chimugoro also chipped in with a brisk 29 off 29 balls, but the rest of the batting line-up struggled against disciplined Indian bowling.
Despite the individual efforts, Zimbabwe were eventually dismissed for 148, falling well short of the target.
With only one point from their abandoned fixture against Scotland, the Young Chevrons’ can no longer reach the semifinals.
Zimbabwe will conclude their Super Six campaign against Bangladesh on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Pakistan comfortably chased down 111 against New Zealand, winning by eight wickets with 197 balls to spare after reaching 112 for two in 17 overs.
Action continues this Wednesday with defending champions Australia taking on West Indies.
