NEW DELHI, Feb 6: Batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s jaw-dropping 175 runs in just 80 balls powered India to clinch the U19 Cricket World Cup title for a record-extending sixth time, beating England by 100 runs in the U19 World Cup 2026 final in Harare on Friday.
It was is a historic win for Ayush Mhatre-led India, as they set the world record for the largest margin of victory in terms of runs in an U19 World Cup final. 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi laid the foundation for India’s victory, smashing a breath-taking 80-ball 175 to take them to a total of 411/9 in 50 overs. In response, England kept things alive thanks to a remarkable 67-ball 115 by Caleb Falconer, but ultimately fell well short being bowled out for 311 in 40.2 overs. India won every single game en route to the trophy.
The triumph adds to India’s previous titles in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018 and 2022, underlining their dominance in the tournament’s history. On his way to score 175, the 14-year-old Sooryavanshi blazed his way 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 Mhatre 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)
(Manas Dasgupta)
