Big victories for India and Pakistan in the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup provide a potential decisive step in the race for the semi-finals.
A century from Vihaan Malhotra helped India to a 204-run win over hosts Zimbabwe to remain unbeaten in the competition.
Pakistan, meanwhile, registered an eight-wicket win over New Zealand to take four points, two behind India and England in Super Six Group 2.
The two teams meet on Sunday and it could decide who will make it to the semi-finals, although the net run rate also plays a role.
India scores big victory over Zimbabwe
A sensational 109 not out from Vihaan Malhotra put India on their way to a 204-run win over Zimbabwe in their first Super Six clash.
After being sent to bat, India got off to a flying start with Aaron George (23) and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scoring 44 in four overs.
After losing his opening partner, Sooryavanshi continued his attack, hitting a 30-ball 52 while he and Ayush Mhatre (21) added 56.
They both fell within three deliveries to Machenda Chimugoro (three for 49), and when Vedant Trivedi followed, India found themselves in a difficult position at 130 for four.
Malhotra and Abhigyan Kundu (61) set about rebuilding and combined to add 113 for the fifth wicket.
That set the stage for a great finish and cameo appearances from RS Ambrish (21) and Khilan Patel (30), taking them to 352 for eight from their 50 overs.
Zimbabwe’s response got off to the worst possible start when Nathaniel Hlabangana was dismissed for a second-ball duck while Ambrish grabbed a couple of early wickets to leave them at 24 for three.
Kian Blignaut (37) and Leroy Chiwaula (62) rebounded with 69, while Chimugoro added a handball
But then Udhav Mohan (three for 20) and Ayush Mhatre (three for 14) took center stage as Zimbabwe fell from 142 for four to 148 overall.
The win takes India level on points with England and two points ahead of Pakistan ahead of the sub-continental teams’ clash on Sunday.
Pakistan cruises past New Zealand
Pakistan secured an easy victory with an eight-wicket win over New Zealand to stay in the semi-finals.
A brilliant performance from the Pakistan bowlers saw the Kiwis score just 110 in 28.3 overs.
Hugo Bogue did what he could at the top of the order, making 39, but apart from a 48-run stand for the second wicket with skipper Tom Jones (15), New Zealand struggled to build partnerships.
These two fell in quick succession as Abdul Subhan (four for 11) and Ali Raza (three for 36) did the damage. At 67 for three, New Zealand lost four wickets without runs, ending any hopes of a competitive total.
They were eventually bowled out with a score of 110 and Pakistan wasted no time in searching for victory.
While Hamza Zahoor fell cheaply (8), opening partner Sameer Minhas looked good and added 67 with Usman Khan (15).
He took them home and ended the game on a high, scoring the winning runs at a maximum and finishing unbeaten on 76.
This win takes Pakistan to four points, two behind India and England, with one final Super Six game against India still to come.
Results coming soon
India vs Zimbabwe – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
India 352/8 in 50 overs (Vihaan Malhotra 109, Abhigyan Kundu 61, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 52; Machenda Chimugoro 3/49, Simbarashe Mudzengerere 2/51)
Zimbabwe 148 all out in 37.4 overs (Leeroy Chiwaula 62, Kian Blignaut 37; Ayush Mhatre 3/14, Udhav Mohan 3/20)
Result: India wins by 204 runs
Pakistan vs New Zealand – Harare Sports Club, Harare
New Zealand 110 all out in 28.3 overs (Hugo Bogue 39, Mason Clarke 17; Abdul Subhan 4/11, Ali Raza 3/36)
Pakistan 112/2 in 17.1 overs (Sameer Minhas 76 not out, Usman Khan 15; Mason Clarke 1/34, Luke Harrison 1/47)
Result: Pakistan wins by eight wickets
