India’s Under-19 campaign in the Asia Cup 2025 continued dominantly as they posted a massive total against Malaysia at the 7th Sevens Stadium, Dubai, on December 16.
Batting first after losing the toss, India delivered a commanding performance, headlined by a historic double century from wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu.
Kundu’s Historic Double Century
Walking in after the early dismissal of opener Ayush Mhatre, Abhigyan Kundu showcased remarkable composure and attacking intent.
Batting at number five, the young wicketkeeper-batsman went on to play a sensational unbeaten knock of 209 runs off just 125 balls, rewriting record books in youth cricket.
Kundu became the first Indian cricketer to score a double century in youth ODI-format matches, a feat that underlined his ability to dominate bowling attacks at the highest junior level.
His innings was a perfect blend of calculated aggression and maturity, featuring 16 fours and 9 sixes, as he dismantled Malaysia’s bowling lineup with ease.
Crucial Partnerships Build India’s Massive Total
India’s innings gained momentum through strong partnerships in the middle order. After early wickets, Kundu formed a vital stand with Vedant Trivedi, stabilising the innings before accelerating in the later overs.
Trivedi played a composed knock of 90 runs off 106 balls, missing out narrowly on a century but providing solid support during the rebuilding phase.
Earlier, Vaibhav Suryavanshi added quick runs with a brisk 50 off 26 balls, injecting pace into the innings.
Earlier, Vaibhav Suryavanshi added quick runs with a brisk 50 off 26 balls, injecting pace into the innings. Kundu and Trivedi’s partnership ensured that India remained on course for a record-breaking total.
At the same time, late contributions from Kanish Chouhan, who added 14 runs, pushed the score further beyond Malaysia’s reach.
By the end of 50 overs, India had amassed a daunting 408 for 7, one of the highest totals in the tournament so far.
Malaysia’s Bowling Effort
For Malaysia, Muhammad Akram was the standout performer in an otherwise challenging innings. The bowler claimed five wickets for 89 runs, accounting for several key Indian batters and preventing the total from becoming even more imposing.
Nagineswaran Sathnakumaran and Jaashwin Krishnamurthi picked up one wicket each but struggled to contain India’s aggressive approach.
Despite Akram’s effort, Malaysia found it difficult to stem the flow of runs once Kundu settled in, as India consistently found boundaries across the ground.
Record Clarification and Youth ODI Status
While Kundu’s innings will go down as one of the most remarkable performances in youth cricket, it is important to note that the match does not carry official Youth ODI status.
Malaysia is not a full member of the ICC, meaning performances from this fixture will not be included in official Youth ODI records.
Similar instances in the past include Pakistan’s Sameer Minhas, whose 177 against Malaysia also did not count toward youth ODI statistics.
Nevertheless, the innings remain a significant personal and tournament milestone for Kundu.
India’s Position in Group A
With this emphatic performance, India strengthened their position at the top of Group A, which also includes Pakistan, UAE, and Malaysia.
Having secured two wins from two matches, India currently leads the standings, followed by Pakistan in second place. UAE sits third, while Malaysia remains at the bottom of the table.
The commanding win and the massive total posted against Malaysia further cement India’s status as tournament favourites.
As the competition progresses, the Men in Blue will look to maintain their momentum and carry this confidence into tougher encounters ahead.
A Star in the Making
Abhigyan Kundu’s unbeaten 209 has not only powered India to a dominant position in the tournament but has also marked him as one of the most exciting prospects in Indian youth cricket.
His ability to perform under pressure and deliver on a big stage suggests that Indian cricket may have found another future star.
