Key Highlights
- Historic Achievement: India extends its record as the most successful team in Under-19 World Cup history with a sixth title.
- Suryavanshi’s Masterclass: 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed 175 off just 80 balls, setting a new record for the highest individual score in a U19 World Cup final.
- Massive Total: India posted 411/9, the highest ever total in a tournament final, surpassing all previous benchmarks for the age-group showpiece.
- Bowling Dominance: RS Ambrish led the attack with 3/56, supported by clinical spells from Kanishk Chouhan and Deepesh Devendran to bundle England out for 311.
- England’s Resistance: Caleb Falconer provided a lone fightback for England with a brilliant 115 off 67 balls, but it was not enough to chase down the mammoth target.
The Harare Sports Club witnessed a cricketing blitzkrieg on Friday, February 6, 2026, as India’s Under-19 team reaffirmed its global supremacy. By defeating England by 100 runs, India not only secured its sixth world title but also displayed a level of batting aggression that has rarely been seen in the history of the tournament. The victory marks a perfect campaign for the “Boys in Blue,” who remained unbeaten throughout the competition.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, India faced an early setback when Aaron George was dismissed for 9. However, this only paved the way for one of the most remarkable innings in junior cricket history.
The Rise of a Prodigy: Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s 175
At just 14 years old, Vaibhav Suryavanshi played an innings that combined raw power with technical precision. Partnering with captain Ayush Mhatre, Suryavanshi tore into the English bowling attack. The duo added 142 runs for the second wicket in a span of just 90 balls. While Mhatre played a steady captain’s knock of 53, Suryavanshi was in a league of his own.
He reached his century in just 55 balls, the second-fastest in U19 World Cup history. Not content with a hundred, he accelerated further, reaching 150 in only 71 balls. By the time he was eventually dismissed for 175 off 80 deliveries, his innings included 15 boundaries and 15 towering sixes. This score surpassed Unmukt Chand’s 111* in 2012 as the highest score ever recorded in a U19 World Cup final.
Clinical Finish and England’s Spirited Chase
Following Suryavanshi’s departure, the Indian middle order ensured the momentum was not lost. Contributions from Vedant Trivedi (32), Vihaan Malhotra (30), and Abhigyan Kundu (40) kept the run rate high. A late-order cameo by Kanishk Chouhan, who remained unbeaten on 37 off 20 balls, propelled India to a record-breaking total of 411/9. For England, James Minto was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3/63 amidst the carnage.
Chasing a target of 412 was always going to be a monumental task for England. They suffered an early loss with Joseph Moors falling for 17, but a steady partnership between Ben Dawkins (66) and Ben Mayes (45) offered a glimmer of hope. However, India’s bowling depth proved too much to handle. RS Ambrish broke the crucial partnerships, finishing with figures of 3/56.
The standout performer for England was Caleb Falconer, who played a breathtaking innings of 115 off 67 balls. Falconer’s aggressive hitting kept the Indian fielders on their toes, but the mounting required run rate forced risky shots. When Falconer was finally caught by Khilan Patel off the bowling of Kanishk Chouhan, England’s resistance effectively ended. The English side was eventually bowled out for 311 in 40.2 overs.
A Legacy Continued
This victory solidifies India’s reputation as a nursery for world-class talent. The 2026 squad, under the leadership of Ayush Mhatre and the coaching staff, showed remarkable composure under the pressure of a World Cup final. With players like Suryavanshi and Ambrish emerging as potential stars, the future of the senior national team looks increasingly secure.
