Photo : ICC

DHAKA, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS) - Despite a brilliant bowling performance from pacer Al Fahad, Bangladesh suffered a disappointing 18-run defeat to India via the DLS method in their opening match of the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Bulawayo today.

Fahad produced a venomous spell to claim 5-38 as India were dismissed for 238 in 48.4 overs after Bangladesh opted to bowl first. Persistent rain interruptions later revised Bangladesh's target to 239 from 49 overs.

Bangladesh lost opener Zawad Abrar early in the chase, but Rifat Beg and skipper Azizul Hakim Tamim kept the innings on track with positive batting.

Knishk Chouhan broke the partnership by dismissing Rifat for 37, before rain halted play again with Bangladesh at 90-2 in 17.2 overs.

After a one-hour delay, Bangladesh were set a revised target of 165 in 29 overs, leaving them needing 75 runs from 68 balls with eight wickets in hand. 

With captain Hakim well set at the crease, momentum swung firmly in Bangladesh's favour.

However, the turning point came when Hakim was dismissed by Khilan Patel after a composed 51 off 72 balls, including four fours and a six.

Indian spinner Vihan Malhotra then triggered a dramatic collapse, claiming 4-14 as Bangladesh were bowled out for 146 in 28.3 overs.

Earlier, Fahad's impressive bowling had put India under severe pressure. 

Fahad struck twice in his second over, removing Indian captain Ayush Mhatre (6) and Vedant Trivedi for a duck in consecutive deliveries.

He was aptly supported by Iqbal Hossain Emon and Azizul Hakim Tamim, who picked up two wickets each to keep India in check. 

Amid the collapse, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played a counter-attacking knock of 72 off 67 balls, laced with six fours and three sixes, to steady the innings.

Although Emon dismissed Sooryavanshi to regain control, Abhigyan Kundu produced a resolute innings to push India past the 200-run mark. Kundu eventually top-scored with 80 off 112 balls, striking four fours and three sixes.