Henil Patel’s sensational five-wicket haul propelled India U19 to a six-wicket victory over the United States of America U19 in their rain-affected ICC Under-19 World Cup opener on Thursday. The right-arm pacer's ruthless precision dismantled the USA middle order, finishing with outstanding figures of 5/16 from seven overs, including a maiden, after India opted to bowl first under cloudy skies in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

The USA U19 team struggled to build momentum, losing wickets at regular intervals and ultimately being bundled out for a meager 107 in 35.2 overs. Nitish Sudini offered the only significant resistance with a counter-attacking 36 off 52 balls, including four boundaries. Opening bowlers Deepesh Devendran and Henil Patel made early inroads, reducing the Americans to 35/4 by the 12th over. Patel struck in his first over, catching Amrinder Gill behind the slips, and then had Sahil Garg caught at third man. He further dismantled the USA captain Utkarsh Srivastava for a duck and Arjun Mahesh in the same over. Khilan Patel added to the damage, trapping Amogh Arepally. Henil Patel returned to clean up the tail, sending Sabrish Prasad and Rishabh Shimpi back to the pavilion.

Rain interrupted India's chase, revising the target to 96 in 37 overs under the DLS method. India's start was cautious, reaching 21/1 in four overs before the weather intervened. Upon resumption, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fell early for 2, bowled by Ritvik Appidi. Skipper Ayush Mhatre showed intent with two boundaries but fell for 19. Vedant Trivedi and vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra also departed, leaving India slightly troubled at 70/4. Abhigyan Kundu then anchored the innings, scoring a patient 42 not out from 41 balls, guiding India to victory, while Kanishk Chouhan remained unbeaten at the other end.

Henil Patel was named Player of the Match for his game-changing performance. He expressed that the conditions were normal, with a bit of swing, and he aimed to bowl a fuller length. He adjusted his length as the game progressed and the conditions improved.

India, the five-time champions, have started their Group B campaign confidently and will play their next match against Bangladesh in Bulawayo on Saturday. This U19 World Cup marks the 16th edition of the 50-over age-group tournament, featuring 16 teams.

The USA U19 team put up a good fight with their bowling effort while defending a small total. Ritvik Appidi's early breakthroughs and Amrinder Gill's near-catch of Ayush Mhatre off the first ball added to the pressure.