Under-19 World Cup 2026, Day 1 Round-up: India, West Indies open account on rain-affected day

India and West Indies opened their accounts on the first day of ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 in two rain-affected encounters. India beat USA by six wickets (DLS method) while West Indies overcame Tanzania by five wickets. Zimbabwe’s clash with Scotland was abandoned due to inclement weather.

India make light work of USA

India emerged victorious by a six-wicket margin (DLS method) against the USA in a rain-affected clash in Bulawayo. (Read more)

West Indies overcome Tanzania

West Indies opened their campaign with a five-wicket triumph over Tanzania in the Group D opener.

Tanzania, playing their first-ever match at the U19 event, started well with a 53-run opening stand thanks to Dylan Thakrar (26) and Darpan Jobanputra (19). However, once the duo perished in quick succession, things went downhill for the African nation, with West Indies chipping in with wickets at regular intervals.

Vitel Lawes (3/23) was the wrecker-in-chief while Shaquan Belle (2/23) and Micah McKenzie (2/15) assisted him well to wrap up the Tanzanian middle-order cheaply. Tanzania, at one stage, were in danger of settling for a sub-100 total but Acrey Pascal (10) and Khalidy Amiri (12) dragged past that mark, with the team bundling out for 122 in 34 overs.

Out to chase a modest target, West Indies lost Zachary Carter (8) early. Although opener Tanez Francis’ brisk 55-ball 52 with five boundaries and a six kept West Indies constantly ahead in the game. Francis received ample support from wicketkeeper-batter Jewel Andrew, who struck a run-a-ball 44 and was involved in an 80-run second-wicket partnership with Francis.

Tanzania dented their opponents as the duo perished in quick time towards the end, with Raymond Francis and Augustine Mwamele picking up two wickets each. However, Shamar Apple and Shaquan Belle joined hands to take their team past the finish line in the 21st over.

Zimbabwe, Scotland share spoils 

Co-hosts Zimbabwe's tournament opener was washed out due to persistent rain. The game was eventually abandoned without a toss, forcing the team to split points. Zimbabwe will face England on January 18, while Scotland be up against Pakistan on January 19.

Under-19 World Cup 2026 Day 1 - Brief scores

USA v India - Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

USA 107 all out in 35.2 overs (Nitish Sudini 36, Adnit Jhamb 18; Henil Patel 5/16, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 1/2)

India 99/4 in 17.2 overs (Abhigyan Kundu 42 not out, Ayush Mhatre 19; Ritvik Appidi 2/24, Utkarsh Srivastava 1/17)

Result: India won by six wickets (DLS)

Tanzania v West Indies - High Performance Oval, Windhoek

Tanzania 122 all out in 34 overs (Dylan Thakrar 26, Darpan Jobanputra 19; Vitel Lawes 3/23, Micah McKenzie 2/15)

West Indies 124/5 in 21 overs (Tanez Francis 52, Jewel Andrew 44; Agustino Mwamele 2/17, Raymond Francis 2/23)

Result: West Indies won by five wickets

Zimbabwe v Scotland - Takashinga Sports Club, Harare

Result: Match abandoned without a ball bowled (No toss)