U-19 World Cup: India Wins Opener with Henil, Kundu Leading the Charge

Henil Patel made history by taking the tournament's first five-wicket haul for India U19, claiming 5/16 against USA U19 in the ICC Under-19 World Cup opener. Henil Patel's inspired bowling! Drawing inspiration from Dale Steyn, he struck early, taking Amrinder Gill's edge to second slip in his first over. The USA openers put up a fight, but Henil's extra bounce and pace proved too much, claiming two more wickets. His two wickets in an over had USA reeling. The spin attack clicked too, with Amogh Arepally's wicket a big one. USA's hopes were fading, but Nitish Sudini and Adnit Jhamb put on a 30-run partnership. In the end, Henil's 5/16 was the masterstroke, setting India up for a comfortable win. With another drizzle around and perhaps feeling the need to up the tempo, Mhatre went on the attack next over. He got a top edge off a pull for four off Shimpi but when he went to hook another short ball, Gill took a good catch running in from deep fine leg. Gill slipped as he ran in, but maintained his composure to complete the catch. His exceptional bowling performance helped India restrict USA to 107 runs in 35.2 overs. Patel's five-wicket haul included the dismissal of Amrinder Gill, Arjun Mahesh, Utkarsh Srivastava, Sabrish Prasad, and Rishabh Shimpi. India went on to win the match by six wickets, chasing a revised DLS target of 96 in 37 overs. India 99 for 4 (Kundu 42*, Appidi 2-24) beat USA 107 (Sudini 36, Henil 5-16) by six wickets (via DLS)