Vaibhav Suryavanshi produced one of the greatest innings in Under-19 World Cup history as India defeated England by 100 runs in a high-scoring final to clinch their sixth ICC U-19 World Cup title at the Harare Sports Club on Friday.
The 14-year-old batting sensation smashed a breathtaking 175 off just 80 balls, studded with 15 fours and 15 sixes, to headline a record-breaking performance that propelled India to 411/9 after opting to bat first. England’s spirited reply, led by a valiant 115 from Caleb Falconer, fell short as they were bowled out for 311 in 40.2 overs.
India’s triumph extended their dominance in age-group cricket and prolonged England’s wait for a second U-19 World Cup title, their only success coming in 1998.
Suryavanshi Sets the Final Ablaze
India suffered an early setback with Aaron George departing for nine, but Suryavanshi and captain Ayush Mhatre rebuilt with controlled aggression. The pair added 142 runs for the second wicket, with Mhatre contributing a composed 53 off 51 balls.
Once Mhatre fell in the 19th over, the stage fully belonged to Suryavanshi. He reached his fifty in 32 balls, brought up his century in just 55 deliveries—the second-fastest in tournament history—and stormed to 150 in 71 balls, the fastest ever at a U-19 World Cup.
Suryavanshi’s innings ended on 175 in the 26th over, a knock that also saw him set records for most sixes in a U-19 World Cup innings (15) and most sixes in a single edition (30).
Useful contributions from Vedant Trivedi (32), Vihaan Malhotra (30), Abhigyan Kundu (40) and a late flourish by Kanishk Chouhan (37 off 20 balls)* ensured India crossed the 400-run mark. For England, James Minto (3/63) was the standout bowler.
England’s Fightback Falls Short
Chasing an imposing 412, England lost Joseph Moores early but counter-attacked through Ben Mayes and Ben Dawkins, who added 74 runs for the second wicket. Dawkins later combined with skipper Thomas Rew (31 off 18) to keep England in contention.
The turning point came when Mhatre dismissed Dawkins for 66, followed by a run-out and a double strike from Deepesh Devendran, triggering a collapse from 142/2 to 177/7.
Still, England refused to fold. Caleb Falconer launched a remarkable counter-attack, racing to a fifty in 26 balls and completing a superb century in just 63 deliveries. His 115 off 67 balls, featuring nine fours and seven sixes, briefly threatened an unlikely comeback.
However, disciplined bowling from RS Ambrish (3/56), supported by Deepesh Devendran (2/64) and Kanishk Chouhan (2/63), sealed the win as England were dismissed for 311.
‘Believed in Myself’: Suryavanshi
Named Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament, Suryavanshi dedicated his awards to the team’s support staff.
“Everything we have worked on over the last eight to nine months has brought us here,” he said. “I trusted my skill set and believed I could perform under pressure in a big game.”
He finished the tournament with 439 runs in seven innings, averaging 62.71 at a strike rate of 169.49.
Captain Proud of Legacy
India captain Ayush Mhatre hailed his team’s execution and spoke about carrying forward India’s World Cup legacy.
“We know what Vaibhav is capable of, and today he showed it to the world,” Mhatre said. “We are proud to carry forward the legacy created by our seniors. Credit goes to the support staff who worked tirelessly with us.”
A Statement Win
India’s record total and clinical bowling effort underlined the depth of talent emerging from the BCCI’s development system. The emphatic victory not only secured another global title but reaffirmed India’s status as the dominant force in Under-19 cricket.
Brief Scores:
India 411/9 (Vaibhav Suryavanshi 175, Ayush Mhatre 53; James Minto 3/63)
England 311 (Caleb Falconer 115, Ben Dawkins 66; RS Ambrish 3/56)
India won by 100 runs
(With agency inputs)
