NEW DELHI: India will look to build on their strong start to the ICC U-19 World Cup as they face a tricky Bangladesh side in their second match in Bulawayo on Saturday. With a well-balanced squad, the five-time champions begin as firm favourites.

The tournament got off to an expected start for India, who secured a six-wicket victory over the USA in a rain-affected match. The visitors were bundled out for just 107, with right-arm pacer Henil Patel producing a sensational 5/16 in seven overs, supported by disciplined bowling from the rest of the attack.

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Star-studded batting line-up

Now, India's star-studded batting line-up will look to consolidate against Bangladesh, who could prove a sterner test after a comfortable win over the USA. Leading the charge will be captain Ayush Mhatre and the prodigious 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, supported by vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra, and all-rounders Aaron George and Vedant Trivedi, alongside wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu.

The Indian pace attack boasts D Deepesh, RS Ambrish, Henil Patel, Kishan Kumar Singh, and Udhav Mohan, while spin duties will be handled by Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan Patel, and Mohamed Enaan, giving the team a well-rounded bowling arsenal.

The most successful team in U-19 WC history

Champions in five of the 16 editions, India are by far the most dominant team in the history of the competition, which started back in 1988 with Australia emerging winners in the inaugural event.

Raising their prospects further is the team's form in the last one year, having won series in England, Australia and South Africa. The victory against USA was India's 14th in last 17 matches, and the side is backing itself to continue the excellent run of form against their next opponents.

Bangladesh boast a well-balanced squad

As far as Bangladesh are concerned, they have captain Azizul Hakim who has a fair bit of experience, and a lot will depend on how he marshals his side in the tournament in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

With his deputy Zawad Abrar, Hakim will spearhead the Bangladesh batting. The duo have been prolific at the under-19 level, having scored over 1000 runs in Youth ODIs since the last edition of the tournament in 2024. Kalam Siddiki, with 857 runs in this period, is another prolific run-getter in the side.

Bangladesh also carry a potent bowling attack, with pacers Iqbal Hossain and Al Fahad expected to get plenty of support in pace-friendly conditions in Zimbabwe.

These two are the most successful bowlers since the last U19 World Cup with 45 and 43 wickets to their names respectively. Not too far behind is left-arm spinner Samiun Basir, who had 29 wickets in this period, at an economy of under four.

Teams (from):

India: Ayush Mhatre (c), RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, D Deepesh, Mohamed Enaan, Aaron George, Abhigyan Kundu, Kishan Kumar Singh, Vihaan Malhotra, Udhav Mohan, Henil Patel, Khilan A. Patel, Harvansh Singh, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi.

Bangladesh: Azizul Hakim Tamim (c), Zawad Abrar, Samiun Basir Ratul, Sheikh Parvez Jibon, Rizan Hossan, Shaharia Al Amin, Shadin Islam, Md Abdullah, Farid Hasan Faysal, Kalam Siddiki Aleen, Rifat Beg, Saad Islam Razin, Al Fahad, Shahriar Ahmed, Iqbal Hossain. Reserves: Abdur Rahim, Debashis Sarkar Deba, Rafi Uzzaman Rafi, Farhan Shahriar, Farzan Ahmed Alif, Sanjid Majumder, Md Sobuj.

Match starts 1.00 pm IST.

(With PTI Inputs)