India U19 crowned ICC U19 world champions as Sooryavanshi stuns England with historic century

Image: @ICC

A breathtaking century from 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi powered India to a commanding 100-run victory over England U19 in the final of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, sealing a record-extending sixth title.

Batting first at the Harare Sports Club, India piled on a massive 411 for 9, the highest team total of the tournament, before bowling England out for 311 in just over 40 overs.

Sooryavanshi’s innings was the centrepiece of the final. The opener smashed a stunning 175 off just 80 balls, striking 15 fours and 15 sixes in one of the most destructive knocks ever seen at this level. It was the highest individual score in the history of ICC U19 World Cup finals.

After losing opening partner Aaron George early, Sooryavanshi took charge almost immediately. He raced to a half-century in just 32 balls and continued to accelerate, punishing anything loose and clearing the ropes with ease.

A 142-run partnership with captain Ayush Mhatre steadied India after the early wicket. Mhatre contributed a fluent 53 before falling soon after reaching his half-century.

Sooryavanshi reached his century in just 55 balls and went on to bring up 150 in style, taking 27 runs off one over as England struggled to contain him. His innings finally ended on 175, but not before he broke Dewald Brevis’ record for most sixes in a single U19 World Cup, finishing the tournament with 30 maximums.

Late contributions from Abhigyan Kundu (40) and Kanishk Chouhan (37 not out) ensured India crossed the 400 mark despite England’s James Minto picking up three wickets.

England’s chase began with promise as Ben Dawkins and Ben Mayes added 74 for the second wicket. Dawkins went on to score 66, while Mayes made 45 and finished the tournament as the leading run-scorer.

However, the turning point came when England lost four wickets for just three runs, slipping from a solid position to deep trouble. Captain Thomas Rew fell for 31, and the middle order collapse left England reeling at 177 for 7.

Caleb Falconer offered brief hope with a superb counter-attacking 115, refusing to give up even as wickets fell around him. He struck multiple sixes and carried England into the final stages, but with too much left to do and little support.

Falconer was the final wicket to fall, caught brilliantly in the deep, sparking celebrations among the Indian players as they sealed a dominant win.

India’s bowlers shared the spoils, with RS Ambrish leading the attack and Kanishk Chouhan chipping in at key moments. The victory confirmed India’s dominance at the U19 level and showcased another generation of exciting young talent ready for the future.

From a record-breaking century by a 14-year-old to a crushing team performance in a World Cup final, it was a night that underlined why India remain the benchmark in U19 cricket.