NEW DELHI: Skipper Ayush Mhatre’s blazing 27-ball 53 once again highlighted India’s authority as they cruised to a seven-wicket win over New Zealand via the DLS method in the U-19 World Cup on Saturday.

India made light work of a rain-hit contest that was reduced to 37 overs per side, producing a clinical all-round performance to stay firmly in control of Group B.

Revised to chase 130, India raced to 130 for three in just 13.3 overs, sealing their third straight win of the tournament and comfortably sitting on top of the group standings.

Bowlers set the tone early

After opting to bowl first in damp conditions, India’s bowlers struck immediately. RS Ambrish (8-1-29-4) and Henil Patel (7.2-1-23-3) were relentless up front, ripping through New Zealand’s top order.

The Kiwis slipped to 69 for seven, struggling to cope with the movement and discipline of the Indian attack. Snehith Reddy was the lone batter among the top five to reach double figures.

Late contributions from Jacob Cotter (23), Callum Samson (37) and Selwin Sanjay (28) pushed New Zealand to 135 in 36.2 overs, but the total was never going to trouble India. Khilan Patel, Mohamed Enaan and Kanish Chouhan chipped in with a wicket apiece.

Batters finish the job in style

India’s chase saw an early loss of Aaron George, but Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Mhatre quickly took control with a fluent 76-run stand. Both batters attacked from the outset, striking at well over 150.

Sooryavanshi fell for a brisk 40, narrowly missing a half-century, while Mhatre went on to complete a classy fifty before departing for 53 off 27 balls. Vihaan Malhotra and Vedant Trivedi then calmly wrapped up the chase.

“There was a simple plan because the ball was coming nicely on to the bat. There was nothing planned (on the weather), just reacted to the ball and there was a simple plan. They were going with bouncers and I was ready for that,” Mhatre said after the match.

“The boys are really confident and the coaches as well so I am very happy with the players. Boys showed the character and really good attitude. It wasn't easy for us as well due to the weather. The boys are mature enough to adapt to conditions (on weather interruptions) and they just backed their basics,” he added.

(With PTI Inputs)