Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: In a commanding display of youth cricket, India reaffirmed their supremacy by defeating England by 100 runs at the Harare Sports Club to claim the 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup. Chasing a daunting target of 412, England could only manage 311 in 40.2 overs, allowing India to lift their record-extending sixth title.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Explosive Century Sets the Tone
After winning the toss and opting to bat, India got off to a blistering start. The star of the innings was 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose remarkable knock of 175 off 80 balls included 15 fours and 15 sixes. Reaching his century in just 55 balls, Sooryavanshi completely dominated the English bowling attack.
Captain Ayush Mhatre contributed 53 runs, forging a crucial 142-run partnership with Sooryavanshi. Further support from the middle order, including Vedant Trivedi, Vihaan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu, and a late flourish of 37 from Kanishk Chouhan, propelled India to a formidable total of 411/9.
England’s Fightback Falls Short
England’s chase began on shaky ground as RS Ambrish dismissed Joseph Moores early. While Ben Dawkins (50) and Ben Mayes briefly steadied the innings, India’s spinners applied consistent pressure, forcing regular wickets and curbing the scoring rate.
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Falconer’s Brave Century Not Enough
Caleb Falconer’s whirlwind 115, achieved in just 60 balls, was the standout in England’s reply. Partnering with James Minto for a 94-run stand, Falconer looked set to challenge India. However, with the required run rate climbing rapidly, England’s chase became increasingly difficult.
RS Ambrish returned to dismiss Minto and Manny Lumsden, while Kanishk Chouhan caught Falconer in the deep to seal India’s victory. The final wicket brought the Indian team rushing onto the field in celebration, marking an undefeated campaign and their sixth Under-19 World Cup triumph.