16 January,2026 08:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Henil Patel (Pic: X/@BCCI)
In the U-19 World Cup match against the USA, Team India emerged victorious by six wickets through DLS method at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
During the match, India's Henil Patel played a crucial role. In his spell of seven overs, he registered a five-wicket haul by conceding just 16 runs.
The pacer revealed that he draws inspiration from South Africa's legendary fast bowler Dale Steyn.
"What I get from Dale Steyn is that I like his aggression a lot. His bowling was so good that there was no batter who could play against him easily because he was so tough to face," he told ICC Digital.
Further speaking, he revealed his mindset by saying that he looks to dismiss the batsman in the first three to four deliveries.
"I have a mindset to get the batter out within three to four deliveries. I go into training with a proper mindset, I get my body ready and it's the same in a match. It's all about taking early wickets, I go with the same mindset and I stay calm," said the 18-year-old cricketer.
In the match, India opted to bowl first and produced a disciplined bowling performance, bundling out the USA for 107 in 35.2 overs.
Nitish Sudini top-scored for USA with 36 off 52 balls, but the innings never really gained momentum due to the lack of meaningful partnerships.
Chasing a revised target of 96, India suffered early setbacks. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was dismissed for 2, followed soon by Vedant Trivedi, who also managed 2 runs.
Both wickets were taken by Ritvik Appidi. Captain Ayush Mhatre then departed for 19, leaving India at 25/3 in 5.2 overs.
Vihaan Malhotra and Abhigyan Kundu steadied the innings with a crucial 45-run partnership. Malhotra scored 18 before being dismissed, but Kundu stood firm in the chase. He was well supported by Kanishk Chouhan, and the pair ensured there were no further hiccups.
India eventually crossed the line in 17.2 overs. Kundu remained unbeaten on 42 off 41 balls, which included five boundaries and a six, while Chouhan remained not out on 10.
(With ANI Inputs)
