India clinch sixth ICC U19 Men’s World Cup title with dominant final win

Harare: A breathtaking century from 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi powered India to a commanding victory in the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup final, as they defeated England by 100 runs to secure a record-extending sixth title.

The teenage prodigy produced a historic innings, smashing 175 off just 80 balls with 15 fours and 15 sixes, setting a new benchmark for the highest individual score in an ICC U19 World Cup final.

Sooryavanshi’s brutal assault also marked the first 150-plus score in an Under-19 World Cup knockout match, and his 15 sixes took him to 30 maximums for the tournament, surpassing Dewald Brevis’s previous record of 22.

Sooryavanshi sets tone in a record-breaking batting display

India won the toss and elected to bat, and it didn’t take long for Sooryavanshi to seize control. After losing opener Aaron George early, he accelerated rapidly, racing to a 32-ball half-century with a flurry of boundaries.

A devastating spell at the end of the 17th over—three sixes and a four off Farhan Ahmed—propelled India further as skipper Ayush Mhatre (53) built a crucial 142-run partnership with Sooryavanshi. Mhatre reached his fifty with a straight six before departing to Alex Green.

Sooryavanshi continued his onslaught, reaching a 55-ball century and later smashing 27 runs off an over from Ralpie Albert to race to 150. His innings finally ended at 175 when he was caught behind attempting a slog sweep off Manny Lumsden.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was named Player of the Tournament

Despite England’s James Minto taking 3/63, India finished with a mammoth 411/9, the highest team score of this year’s tournament, thanks also to wicketkeeper Abhigyan Kundu’s 40 and Kanishk Chouhan’s unbeaten 37 off 20 balls.

England fight back, but collapse proves costly

England’s chase began promisingly, but a dramatic middle-order collapse proved decisive. Joe Moores fell for 17 in the fifth over, but Ben Dawkins and Ben Mayes rebuilt with a **74-run stand**, the latter finishing on 45 and becoming the tournament’s leading run-scorer.

Captain Thomas Rew, fresh from a semi-final century, contributed 31, but Dawkins’s dismissal for 66 triggered a collapse in which England lost four wickets for three runs in just eight balls.

Although Caleb Falconer counter-punched with a magnificent 115, it was not enough. His superb century came too late, and India’s relentless bowling left England needing 105 with just one wicket in hand at the 40-over mark. A diving catch by Khilan Patel, off the bowling of Chouhan, ended Falconer’s valiant resistance and sealed India’s victory.

BCCI hails historic triumph

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) congratulated the U-19 squad on the win, praising the team’s unbeaten campaign and the “fearless brand of cricket” displayed throughout the tournament.

BCCI President Mithun Manhas said, “Winning the Under-19 World Cup for the sixth time is a remarkable achievement and a reflection of India’s strength in age-group cricket. This team played with confidence and character throughout the tournament. Holding both the men’s and women’s Under-19 World Cup titles is a matter of immense pride and highlights the depth of our cricketing structure.”

BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia stated, “Heartiest congratulations to the Indian U-19 Men’s team on their glorious unbeaten run and triumph at the ICC U19 World Cup in Harare, defeating England by 100 runs. This outstanding achievement is a testament to the strength of a robust system built on long-term player development, competitive domestic structures, quality coaching programmes supported by dedicated technical staff and a strong talent identification process. Age-group cricket remains a key priority and the BCCI will continue to invest in and strengthen these foundations for the future. Well done, boys! The nation is immensely proud of you.”

Rajeev Shukla, Vice-President, BCCI, said, “India’s dominance across age-group cricket is no coincidence. It is the result of sustained planning, strong administration and a consistent focus on nurturing young talent. This sixth Under-19 World Cup title is a proud moment for Indian cricket and the nation. Indian cricket is thriving today, and we will ensure that it continues to remain healthy and strong.”

Prabhtej Bhatia, Joint Secretary, BCCI, remarked, “The success of this Under-19 team reflects the collective effort of players, coaches, selectors and support staff. The BCCI’s emphasis on exposure, competitive opportunities and all-round development continues to yield results at the most coveted ICC tournaments.”

A. Raghuram Bhat, Treasurer, BCCI, added, “Consistent investment in grassroots and age-group cricket has been central to the BCCI’s vision. Achievements like this reaffirm the importance of that approach. I congratulate the entire team and everyone involved in this outstanding success.”

A new era begins

India’s victory in Harare not only cements their position as the most successful nation in Under-19 World Cup history, but also completes a rare double—India now holds both the ICC Under-19 Men’s and Women’s World Cup titles.

In a final that will be remembered for Sooryavanshi’s extraordinary brilliance, India’s young stars announced themselves as the future of Indian cricket, delivering a triumph that resonates far beyond the scorecard.

(With ICC and BCCI inputs)

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