The Indian Under-19 cricket team clinched a historic sixth world title in Harare after 14-year-old opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi dismantled England with a record-breaking 175-run innings.
India solidified its status as the most dominant force in youth cricket on Friday, securing a record-extending sixth ICC Under-19 World Cup title after a commanding 100-run victory over England. The final, held at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe, was defined by a historic individual performance from 14-year-old opening batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose aggressive century propelled India to a monumental total of 411/9. Despite a resilient response from the English side, the target proved insurmountable, ensuring Ayush Mhatre’s squad completed an undefeated campaign to lift the trophy.
The match began with India winning the toss and electing to bat first on a surface that appeared conducive to high scoring. While the team suffered an early setback with the dismissal of semi-final standout Aaron George in the fourth over, Sooryavanshi immediately took control of the proceedings. The left-handed prodigy combined technical precision with raw power, reaching his half-century in just 32 deliveries. His partnership with captain Ayush Mhatre, who contributed a steady 53 off 51 balls, provided the bedrock for the innings and effectively neutralized the English bowling attack during the critical early phases of the game.
Sooryavanshi’s performance accelerated into record-breaking territory as the innings progressed. He reached his maiden tournament century in 55 balls, marking the second-fastest hundred in the history of the Under-19 World Cup. The onslaught continued as he surpassed the 150-run mark in just 71 deliveries, establishing a new record for the fastest 150 in Youth One Day Internationals. By the time he was caught behind off the bowling of Manny Lumsden for 175, Sooryavanshi had struck 15 sixes and 15 fours, setting a new benchmark for the highest individual score ever recorded in the final of an ICC tournament.
Following the departure of the opening sensation, the Indian middle order worked to maintain the scoring momentum. Although England managed a brief comeback by claiming three wickets in a six-run span, the lower order provided enough resistance to push the total past the 400-mark. India finished their 50 overs at 411/9, the highest ever total recorded in an Under-19 World Cup final. The psychological weight of the chase was evident from the start of the second innings, as England faced the daunting task of scoring at more than eight runs per over against a disciplined Indian bowling unit.
+1England’s pursuit of the target was led by a courageous century from Caleb Falconer, who struck 115 off 67 balls. Falconer, supported by contributions from Ben Dawkins and Ben Mayes, kept England within a competitive distance during the first half of the chase. However, the scoreboard pressure eventually forced the English batters into risky stroke play. The Indian bowling department, spearheaded by RS Ambrish, remained relentless. Ambrish claimed three vital wickets, while Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chouhan picked up two scalps each to dismantle the English middle and lower orders.
The match effectively turned when England’s captain, Thomas Rew, was dismissed after a quickfire 31. His exit triggered a collapse that saw England lose four wickets for just three runs, effectively ending their hopes of a second world title. While James Minto offered some late resistance with a gritty 28, the required run rate continued to climb beyond reach. England was eventually bowled out for 311 in 40.2 overs. The 100-run margin of victory underscored the gulf in performance between the two sides on the day, as India’s clinical fielding and death bowling sealed the championship.
This victory marks India’s sixth Under-19 World Cup title, following previous triumphs in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2022. The win also highlights the success of the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) development programs, which have consistently produced high-caliber talent for the international stage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other national leaders were quick to congratulate the team on social media, praising the “exceptional skill and resilience” displayed throughout the tournament in Zimbabwe and Namibia. The achievement is particularly significant as it completes a rare double, with India currently holding both the Men’s and Women’s Under-19 World Cup titles.
For Sooryavanshi, the final served as a career-defining moment that has already drawn comparisons to legendary figures in Indian cricket. Former players and analysts noted that his ability to strike 150 runs through boundaries alone—comprising 15 fours and 15 sixes—showcased a level of maturity and power rare for a player of his age. His tournament tally of 439 runs and his record of becoming the first player to hit over 100 sixes in the age-group format have positioned him as one of the most exciting prospects for the senior national team in the coming years.
The English team, while disappointed, earned praise for their journey to the final, which included a tense semi-final victory over the defending champions, Australia. Captain Thomas Rew acknowledged after the match that Sooryavanshi’s innings had taken the game away from them early on, but expressed pride in his team’s unbeaten run leading up to the summit clash. The 2026 edition of the tournament has been noted by ICC officials for its high quality of play and the emergence of several players who are expected to transition into professional domestic leagues and T20 franchises globally.
As the Indian team prepares to return home with the silverware, the focus will inevitably shift to the future of these young champions. Under the guidance of head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar, this group of players has demonstrated that the pipeline of Indian cricketing talent remains robust. The historic performance in Harare not only adds another trophy to the cabinet but also sets a new standard for excellence in youth sports. For the fans and the cricketing establishment, the 2026 Under-19 World Cup will be remembered as the tournament where a new generation of stars, led by the record-breaking Sooryavanshi, truly arrived on the world stage.
