In a highly charged ICC Under‑19 World Cup 2026 Super Six clash between India U19 and Pakistan U19 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Indian captain Ayush Mhatre avoided the customary pre‑match handshake with his Pakistan counterpart during the toss on February 1, 2026.
The moment added another layer to an already intense rivalry between the two teams, which have a long history of fierce competition both on and off the field. While the handshake is traditionally seen as a symbol of respect and sportsmanship, Mhatre’s decision to skip it echoed a similar “no handshake” approach India’s side has shown in previous matches at this tournament and other events involving Pakistan.
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The incident drew immediate reaction from fans and commentators, with many pointing to the broader context of heightened tensions between the neighbouring nations and how those sentiments sometimes spill into sport.
Despite the off‑field drama, all eyes quickly shifted back to the match, as both teams prepared to renew one of cricket’s most storied rivalries in a crucial World Cup encounter.
IND vs PAK, ICC U19 World Cup 2026: Vaibhav Suryavanshi & Ayush Mhatre Falter In High-Pressure Super Six Clash
The much-anticipated India U19 vs Pakistan U19 Super Six clash at the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, saw two of India’s promising batters Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, fail to make an impact in a high-pressure encounter on February 1.
Indian captain Ayush Mhatre, who had drawn attention even before the match for skipping the customary handshake at the toss, endured a disappointing outing with the bat. Mhatre was dismissed for a duck, falling early and putting India on the back foot in a tense rivalry game.
Young prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, regarded as one of India’s brightest batting talents, showed brief promise but could not convert his start into a substantial score. Suryavanshi managed 30 runs before being dismissed, failing to anchor the innings when India needed stability against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack.
The early dismissal of Mhatre and Suryavanshi’s inability to build a big partnership exposed India’s middle order to sustained pressure. Pakistan capitalized on the situation, maintaining tight lines and exploiting the conditions at Queens Sports Club effectively.
Despite the setback, Mhatre and Suryavanshi remain vital to India’s campaign, and their response in the upcoming matches will be crucial in shaping India’s U19 World Cup journey.
