HARARE: A staggering century from 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi led India to a 100-run triumph over England in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup final. Opener Sooryavanshi smashed 15 fours and 15 sixes in a sensational 175 from 80 balls, the highest individual score in a U19 World Cup final.
Captain Ayush Mhatre (53) and wicketkeeper Abhigyan Kundu (40) also contributed as India posted a massive 411/9, the highest team total of the tournament so far.
Sooryavanshi Runs Riot
Electing to bat first, India saw Sooryavanshi take charge after the early loss of partner Aaron George. He raced to a 32-ball half-century and continued at breakneck speed, completing a 55-ball century before finishing at 175. His 30 sixes in the tournament broke Dewald Brevis’ previous record of 22.
A late flurry from Kanishk Chouhan (37*) helped India surpass 400, leaving England with an almost insurmountable target.
England Fight Back, But Falter
England started well in reply, with Caleb Falconer’s brilliant 115 and Ben Dawkins’ 66 keeping them in the hunt. However, a dramatic collapse saw four wickets fall for just three runs, leaving India in control. Falconer’s heroics ultimately weren’t enough as Khilan Patel took a diving catch to seal India’s victory.
Scorecard at a Glance
India: 411/9 in 50 overs (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 175, Ayush Mhatre 53; James Minto 3/63, Alex Green 2/49)
England: 311 all out in 40.2 overs (Caleb Falconer 115, Ben Dawkins 66; RS Ambrish 3/56, Kanishk Chouhan 2/63)
Result: India win by 100 runs, claiming their record-extending sixth ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup title.
