Bulawayo : Five-time winners, India rode of a terrific spell by Henil Patel and a punchy batting display from Abhigyan Kundu to record a 6-wicket win over USA.
Runner-ups from the previous edition, India put the USA in to bat first after winning the toss and Henil Patel instantly validated that decision by delivering a fiery opening spell that broke the resistance of the USA top order. The right-arm pacer picked up three wickets in his opening burst.
The Indians then tightened the screws on the USA middle order to pick up wickets at regular intervals as Deepesh Devendran, Ambarish RS, Khilan Patel and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi all nabbed a wicket each.
Patel then returned to clean up the tail and bag the first five-wicket haul of the tournament to bowl USA out for just 107.
USA bowlers however, got them off to a solid start with the ball. Ritvik Appidi would clean up Vaibhav Sooryavanshi early.
However, a spell of rain would reduce the game to 37 overs. India, now chasing a revised target of 96, were rocked by two quick wickets once the play resumed as Mhatre and Trivedi were dismissed, leaving India reeling at 25/3.
But Abhigyan Kundu and Vihaan Malhotra weathered the storm and slowly turned the tables on the USA bowlers, stitching together a counter-attacking 45-run partnership that got India closer to the target.
Malhotra’s dismissal didn’t prevent the five-time winners from cruising home and putting their first points on the board.
India will be back in action against Bangladesh for their second game in Group A on Saturday. Meanwhile, USA will take on New Zealand on Sunday, with both matches set to take place at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
