Abhigyan Kundu produced a breathtaking innings in the Under-19 Asia Cup, hammering an unbeaten 209 off 125 balls to power India to a mammoth 408 for 7 against Malaysia in Dubai.
Walking in at No. 5 in the 11th over, the wicketkeeper-batter anchored the innings right through to the final ball, combining power with endurance in a knock that dominated the contest. His double century, however, will not enter the official youth ODI record books, as the fixture does not carry that status. As a result, South Africa’s Jorich van Schalkwyk — who scored 215 off 153 balls against Zimbabwe earlier this year — remains the only recognised youth ODI double-centurion. Bangladesh’s Soumya Sarkar had also struck 209 against Qatar in 2012, but that match likewise lacked official status.
India’s innings began at a furious pace thanks to Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who blasted a 26-ball fifty, before Kundu took charge. He forged a monumental 209-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Vedant Trivedi, who made 90 from 106 balls. The stand spanned 30 overs, from the 11th to the 41st, and laid the foundation for India’s imposing total.
By the time Trivedi was dismissed, Kundu had already reached 128 off 92 balls. He then shifted gears dramatically, plundering 81 runs from the final 33 deliveries to push India beyond the 400 mark. The innings capped a strong start to the tournament for Kundu, who had earlier made 32 not out off 17 balls against UAE and 22 off 32 against Pakistan.
For Malaysia, left-arm seamer Muhammad Akram was the lone bright spot, finishing with 5 for 89 from his ten overs. His victims included Suryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra and Harvansh Pangalia.
India sit comfortably atop Group A after wins over UAE and Pakistan, while Malaysia remain at the foot of the table following defeats to the same opponents.
