ICC U-19 WC: India thrash Zimbabwe to top Group B

Openers Harvick Desai and Shubman Gill struck blistering half-centuries as three-time champions India thrashed an ill-equipped Zimbabwe by 10 wickets to end Group B at the top in the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup here in Mount Maunganui on Friday.

Chasing a target of 155 runs in stipulated 50 overs, Desai (unbeaten at 56) and Gill (unbeaten at 90) combined to help India cross the mark in just 21.4 overs.

While Desai smashed eight boundaries and one six in his 73-ball knock, Gill notched up 14 fours and one six in his quick-fire 50-ball innings.

Earlier, Zimbabwe had won the toss and elected to bat first.

Left-arm spinner Anukul Roy was the pick of the bowlers for India as he bagged a four-wicket haul.

Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh (two wickets), Abhishek Sharma (two wickets), Shivam Mavi (one wicket) and Riyan Parag (one wicket) all contributed with the bowl to help their side bundle out Zimbabwe for 154.

Shubman Gill was declared `Man of the Match` for his brilliant performance with the bat.

Milton Shumba (36), Wesley Madhevere (30) and Liam Roche (31) were the only players to make some contribution in Zimbabwe's innings, which saw losing their last seven wickets for just 44 runs.

With the win, India, who had already booked their place in the quarter-finals of the tournament with back-to-back wins against Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the group, ended the league stage unbeaten.

--ANI