In a contest dripping with tension, rain delays, and shifting equations, India U-19 held their nerve to defeat Bangladesh U-19 by 18 runs (DLS method) in a thrilling Group B encounter of the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup at the Queens Sports Club.

Al Fahad of Bangladesh bagged five wickets, but those went in vain.

After posting 238 in 48.4 overs, India’s defense was tested by weather interruptions that left Bangladesh chasing a revised target of 165 from 29 overs.

The match hung in the balance as Bangladesh skipper Azizul Hakim anchored the chase with a gritty 51 off 72 balls.

However, the introduction of Vihaan Malhotra turned the game on its head. The all-rounder produced a spectacular spell of 4 for 14 in just 4 overs, triggering a dramatic collapse that saw Bangladesh lose their last seven wickets for just 22 runs.

Earlier, India’s innings was built on a solid 61 by captain Ayush Mhatre and a blistering 72 off 67 balls from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Bangladesh’s Al Fahad was the pick of the bowlers with a five-wicket haul (5 for 38), constantly piercing India’s middle order.

Chasing the adjusted target, Bangladesh seemed in control at 106 for 2 before the pressure mounted. Malhotra removed the dangerous Hakim and then sliced through the tail with disciplined yorkers.

He capped off his Player of the Match performance by taking the final catch to dismiss Iqbal Hossain Emon, bowling Bangladesh out for 146 with just three balls to spare.

“It's nerve-wracking, but being on the winning side is great,” Malhotra said post-match. “The plan was to limit boundaries at the end, and I backed my strength of bowling yorkers.”

Bangladesh’s captain, Azizul Hakim, praised the pacer Al Fahad. “(It was) disappointing for us. We missed chances,” he said. “DLS came into play. For us, it's about learning. Very proud of Al Fahad.”