Harare: Batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi lit up the grand stage with a jaw-dropping 175 to power India to a record-extending sixth ICC Under-19 World Cup title with a 100-run victory over England in the final here on Friday.
The triumph adds to India’s previous titles in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018 and 2022, underlining their dominance in the tournament’s history.
The 14-year-old Sooryavanshi blazed his way to a stunning 175 off just 80 balls, recording the fastest 150 in Under-19 cricket history, reaching the milestone in 71 deliveries, as India piled up a daunting 411 for 9 after electing to bat.
In response, England kept the required run rate within sight for large parts of the chase but lost wickets at regular intervals, which steadily derailed their pursuit.
They were eventually bowled out for 311 with Caleb Falconer scoring a 66-ball 115.
Sooryavanshi, who shot into the limelight during last year’s Indian Premier League, smashed 15 sixes and an equal number of boundaries, registering the highest individual score by any batter in an ICC tournament final.
Brief Scores:
India 411/9 in 50 overs (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 175, Ayush Mahatre 53; James Minto 3/63, Sebastian Morgan 2/74).
England 311 all out in 40.2 overs (Caleb Falconer 115, Ben Dawkins 66; RS Ambrish 3/56, Deepesh Devendran 2/64)
Kohli, Gambhir lead tributes
Congratulating the team, Virat Kohli, who led India to the U19 title in 2008, lauded the country’s continued dominance at the age-group level. “Congratulations to the U-19 Indian team for lifting the World Cup once again. Our domination in the age group cricket and beyond continues. Well done to the whole squad and the support staff,” Kohli posted on X.
India head coach Gambhir echoed similar sentiments. “Proud of you boys! The bright future is here! #IndiaU19,” Gambhir wrote.
Former India spinner R Ashwin described the triumph as a reflection of fearless modern-day white-ball cricket. “A flawless campaign powered by talent, fearlessness and audacity. The white ball game keeps on moving rapidly and this batch of under – 19’s have shown us how much more they are willing to push with bat.
“Incredible confidence and skill to be able to do what this @BCCI under 19 team did throughout this campaign.Well done boys. Scary to think of what par scores are going to look like in the future,” Ashwin said.
Another former India spinner Harbhajan Singh termed the victory a dominating performance. “UNDER-19 WORLD CUP CHAMPION. Waht a dominating performance . Congratulations Team India,” Harbhajan posted.
India T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav reserved special praise for Sooryavanshi’s “incredible” innings that was studded with a record 15 sixes and as many fours. “Absolutely incredible @vaibhavsoorya09 What a special mentality you have, to do this in a final CLASS Knock” Suryakumar wrote.
South African pace great Dale Steyn also joined in the praise, saying, “Everyone’s tweeting about him, I may as well too… This kid, wonder boy, he’s gonna win an IPL before he finishes school.”
Former West Indies fast bowler turned commentator Ian Bishop wrote, “India’s U19 team didn’t just turn up with a galaxy of stars to rest in their laurels. They turned up and turned on the power and flex. They worked hard and played smart and deserve this win.congratulations.”
India batter Mayank Agarwal hailed the team’s fearless approach. “Fearless cricket on the biggest stage! An absolutely electric performance by the India U-19 boys! A World Cup win powered by intent, skill, and a record-breaking knock by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the final.
“Well done, boys. Really exciting future for Indian cricket!” Agarwal said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also joined in congratulating the Indian team for winning the ICC Under-19 World Cup. “India’s cricketing talent shines! Proud of our U-19 team for bringing home the World Cup,” Modi said in a post on X.
“This win will inspire several young sportspersons too. Best wishes to the players for their upcoming endeavours,” the PM said.
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