Was Vihaan Malhotra Out or Not Out in IND vs ENG U19 World Cup Final?

The ICC Under-19 World Cup final is being played between India and England at the Harare Sports Club on Friday, February 7. India skipper Ayush Mhatre decided to bat first after winning the toss, considering the surface at the venue, which heavily favours the batters.

India's innings was dominated by the left-handed opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who played a blazing 175-run knock off just 80 balls. However, there was one controversial moment during the first innings that caught a lot of attention when India batter Vihaan Malhotra was surprisingly given not out after a catch taken by England spinner Farhan Ahmed.

Was Vihaan Malhotra Out or Not Out in IND vs ENG U19 World Cup Final?

While facing the first ball of the 29th over, left-handed batter Vihaan Malhotra tried to chip the ball straight but couldn't middle it. As a result, the ball went straight towards the bowler Farhan Ahmed, who took the catch. Farhan looked confident after taking the catch and it seemed like Vihaan's innings has ended.

However, the catch was later checked by the third umpire as the on-field umpire sent the decision upstairs. The replay showed Ahmed taking the catch quite comfortably and clean, but as he was standing up, the ball hit the turf, due to which the third-umpire made the decision in the batter's favour.

England's players were visibly frustrated with the decision and had a lot of chat with the on-field umpire as well, but the decision remained intact and Vihaan survived a controversial dismissal. However, he was was later dismissed for 30 off 42 balls in the IND U19 vs ENG U19 final.

Vihaan Malhotra's Ends Tournament as India's Second-Highest Run-Scorer

Vihaan Malhotra U19 World Cup final knock was a brief one. However, he had a fantastic tournament as he scored 260 runs in seven matches at an average of 60. He also scored a brilliant century against Zimbabwe and showed why he can become one of the best batsmen in India in future.

The left-hander displayed superb consistency throughout the tournament and often saved India's batting order from a collapse. He ended the tournament as India's second-highest run-getter, just behind Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The Indian vice-captain's magnificent tournament might not have ended on a high but he is already seen as the future star.