India’s Under-19 team stamped its authority on world cricket once again, clinching a record-extending sixth U-19 World Cup title with a commanding 100-run victory over England in the final at Harare Sports Club on Friday.
The night belonged to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 14-year-old batting prodigy who produced one of the most astonishing knocks ever seen in age-group cricket. His breathtaking century not only powered India to an unassailable total but also redefined what is possible at the junior level.
A Knock for the Ages in a World Cup Final
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played with fearless intent and remarkable maturity, dismantling the England bowling attack with an extraordinary 175 off just 80 balls. His innings was laced with 15 sixes and 15 fours, turning the final into a one-sided spectacle.
The young opener reached his hundred in just 55 balls, making it the second-fastest century in U-19 World Cup history and the fastest ever in a final. He followed it up with equal brutality, racing from 100 to 150 in a blink, leaving bowlers and spectators stunned.
India finished on a colossal 411 for 9, the highest total ever recorded in a U-19 World Cup final.
Records Tumble as Sooryavanshi Rewrites History
Sooryavanshi’s innings shattered multiple records in one night:
Key Records Achieved
- Highest individual score in a U-19 World Cup final
- Youngest centurion in U-19 World Cup history
- Fastest 150 in U-19 cricket (71 balls)
- Most sixes in a Youth ODI innings
- Most sixes in a single U-19 World Cup edition
At one point, India’s run rate hovered near 10 per over, with projections threatening to breach the 500-run mark. The Harare Sports Club, packed with fans, witnessed a display of power-hitting rarely seen even in senior international cricket.
England’s Brave Chase Falls Short
Chasing a near-impossible target of 412, England showed resilience but never truly looked in control. Caleb Falconer stood tall amid the collapse, scoring a fluent 115 off 67 balls, a knock that added respectability to the scoreline.
Despite his efforts, England were bowled out for 311 in 40.2 overs, as India’s disciplined bowling attack operated in unison to seal the title in emphatic fashion.
Captain Ayush Mhatre and Middle Order Step Up
While Sooryavanshi grabbed headlines, captain Ayush Mhatre played a crucial supporting role, stitching together a rapid 142-run partnership with the opener. Mhatre scored a composed 53, ensuring momentum never dipped.
Late contributions from Abhigyan Kundu, Kanishk Chouhan, Vedant Trivedi, and Vihaan Malhotra helped India push beyond 400, keeping England under relentless pressure throughout the innings.
India’s U-19 Dominance Continues
This triumph underlined India’s sustained excellence at the junior level, built on a strong domestic structure, elite coaching, and a deep talent pool. Having last lifted the trophy in 2022, India once again showcased why they remain the gold standard in age-group cricket.
Comparisons with past legendary U-19 teams featuring players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are inevitable, but this squad, led by Ayush Mhatre, has carved its own identity with its fearless brand of cricket.
A Star Is Born
When Sooryavanshi finally departed in the 26th over, English players lined up to applaud a performance that transcended competition. At just 14, the boy from Samastipur, Bihar, announced himself on the global stage with authority.
His innings was not just about runs or records—it was about composure, confidence, and a glimpse into Indian cricket’s future.