Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced a sensational innings of 175 off 80 balls to lead India to a record sixth ICC Under-19 World Cup title as they defeated England by 100 runs at the Harare Sports Club on Friday. India’s victory adds to their previous titles in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2022, cementing their dominance in age-group cricket.
The 14-year-old Sooryavanshi hit 15 sixes and 15 fours in his innings. He reached his half-century in 32 balls and completed his century in just 55 balls, setting the record for the fastest century in an Under-19 World Cup final. His 175 surpassed Unmukt Chand’s 111 not out scored in the 2012 final and became the highest score by an Indian in Under-19 World Cup history, beating Raj Bawa’s 162 not out against Uganda in 2022.
“I just wanted to play my natural game and give my team the best start. It feels amazing to contribute in such a big final, but this is a team victory first,” Sooryavanshi said after the match.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, India posted a massive total of 411 for 9 in 50 overs. Skipper Ayush Mhatre contributed 53 runs and Kanishk Chouhan added 37 not out off 20 balls. Other contributors included Abhigyan Kundu with 40, Vedant Trivedi with 32, and Vihaan Malhotra with 30.
Chasing 412, England showed initial promise as Ben Dawkins scored 66 and Ben Mayes made 45. Caleb Falconer played a brilliant innings of 115 off 66 balls, but wickets fell at regular intervals and India’s disciplined bowling took control. RS Ambrish took 3 wickets for 56 runs while Kanishk Chouhan and Deepesh Devendran made key breakthroughs. England were eventually bowled out for 311 in 40.2 overs.
“Caleb Falconer played a brilliant knock, but our team’s focus and planning never wavered. Vaibhav’s innings set the tone and the bowlers executed perfectly to win the game,” Indian coach Rahul Dravid said.
Sooryavanshi also broke the record for the most sixes in a single Under-19 World Cup edition. He finished the tournament with 30 sixes, surpassing Dewald Brevis’ previous record of 22. Analysts have compared his final innings to historic performances, noting the maturity and fearlessness of the young batter.
Brief Scores
India 411 for 9 in 50 overs. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 175, Ayush Mhatre 53. James Minto 3 for 63, Sebastian Morgan 2 for 74
England 311 all out in 40.2 overs. Caleb Falconer 115, Ben Dawkins 66. RS Ambrish 3 for 56, Deepesh Devendran 2 for 64
India U19 Squad
Aaron George, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre captain, Vihaan Malhotra, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu wicketkeeper, RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Harvansh Pangalia, Mohamed Enaan, Udhav Mohan, Kishan Kumar Singh
England U19 Squad
Ben Dawkins, Joseph Moores, Ben Mayes, Thomas Rew wicketkeeper captain, Caleb Falconer, Ralphie Albert, Farhan Ahmed, Sebastian Morgan, James Minto, Manny Lumsden, Alex French, Alex Green, Isaac Mohammed, Luke Hands, Will Bennison, Ali Farooq
