Source sport star
HARARE – On a historic Friday at the Harare Sports Club, India’s “Boys in Blue” reaffirmed their status as the kings of youth cricket. Led by 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who produced a performance for the ages, India defeated England by 100 runs to secure their record-extending sixth ICC Under-19 World Cup title.
The Suryavanshi Storm
After winning the toss and electing to bat, India unleashed a batting masterclass. While opener Aaron George fell early, it only served as a prelude to the main event. Vaibhav Suryavanshi took the England attack to the cleaners, smashing a breathtaking 175 off just 80 balls.
His innings was a statistical marvel:
Fastest 150: Reached the milestone in just 71 deliveries, a world record in U-19 cricket.
Boundary Blitz: 15 fours and 15 sixes, the latter being a record for the most maximums in a single Youth ODI innings.
Historical Context: His 175 is now the highest individual score ever recorded in an Under-19 World Cup final.
Captain Ayush Mhatre played the perfect foil, scoring a steady 53 off 51 balls in a 142-run partnership that broke the back of the English bowling. Late cameos from Abhigyan Kundu (40) and Kanishk Chouhan (37*) propelled India to a massive 411/9—the highest total ever in a tournament final.
England’s Valiant Response
Chasing a mountain of runs, England refused to go down without a fight. Caleb Falconer played a lone hand with a spectacular 115 off 67 balls, keeping the required run rate within reach for much of the middle overs.
However, the pressure of the 412-run target proved too much. India’s bowlers maintained their discipline, with RS Ambrish (3/56) and Deepesh Devendran (2/64) picking up crucial wickets at regular intervals. England were eventually bundled out for 311 in 40.2 overs.
Match Summary
Team Score Top Performers
India U-19 411/9 (50 overs) V. Suryavanshi (175), A. Mhatre (53)
England U-19 311 all out (40.2 overs) C. Falconer (115), B. Dawkins (66)
Result: India won by 100 runs.
Player of the Match & Tournament: Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
“We have worked together for 8-9 months for this moment,” said a jubilant Suryavanshi during the trophy presentation. “I knew I could perform under pressure, and I just stayed confident.”
With this victory, India adds the 2026 trophy to their cabinet alongside titles from 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2022.
