Harare: India clinched their sixth ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup title on Friday after registering a commanding 100-run victory over England in the final, powered by a record-breaking century from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Batting first, India posted a massive 411 for 9, the highest total ever recorded in an Under-19 World Cup final. The innings was built around a sensational knock by Sooryavanshi, who scored 175, falling just short of a historic double century. His innings, widely described as one of the greatest in the tournament’s history, featured 15 sixes and 15 fours and completely dismantled the England bowling attack.
India were jolted early when opener Aaron George was dismissed for nine, but captain Ayush Mhatre steadied the innings with a fluent 53 off 51 balls. Mhatre and Sooryavanshi added 142 runs for the second wicket, laying the foundation for the record total. After Sooryavanshi’s dismissal, a quick cameo of 37 off 20 balls by Kanishk Chauhan ensured India crossed the 400-run mark.
Chasing an unprecedented target of 412, England began steadily but collapsed dramatically after reaching 93 for 1. Despite a fighting century from Caleb Falconer, England were bowled out for 311. RS Ambrish and Deepesh Devendran picked up two wickets each, while Khilan Patel, Kanishk Chauhan and captain Mhatre contributed with key breakthroughs during the middle overs.
The collapse saw England lose six wickets for just 84 runs, effectively ending their challenge and sealing a comprehensive win for India.
Captain Ayush Mhatre described the victory as a special moment for the team. “I can’t express my feelings. It’s a memorable moment for us. The boys executed the plans perfectly. We wanted to carry forward the legacy of Indian cricket,” he said after the match.
Sooryavanshi was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament. The 14-year-old said the achievement was the result of months of preparation and collective effort. “We trusted our process and played to our strengths. I had belief that I could contribute in a big game,” he said, dedicating his award to the support staff.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team, calling the victory a proud moment for the country. “This win will inspire several young sportspersons too. Best wishes to the players for their upcoming endeavours,” he wrote in a post on X.
Senior men’s team coach Gautam Gambhir praised the squad, writing that the future of Indian cricket looked bright. Former India captain Virat Kohli also congratulated the team, highlighting India’s continued dominance at the junior level.
The win extends India’s record as the most successful team in Under-19 World Cup history and reinforces the country’s strong pipeline of young cricketing talent.
