Fastest Ton, 150: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Scripts History in U-19 Final

India’s young batting sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced a breathtaking innings in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 final, lighting up the Harare Sports Club with a record-breaking performance against England on Friday.

At just 14, the Indian opener etched his name into the record books by becoming the youngest player to score the fastest century in an ICC 50-over final. He then went a step further, hammering the fastest 150 in Under-19 World Cup history, reaching the milestone in only 71 balls. The feat eclipsed England’s Ben Mayes, who had taken 98 balls to reach the mark at the same venue earlier in the tournament.

Sooryavanshi’s explosive knock of 175 off just 80 deliveries, studded with 15 fours and 15 sixes, was a stunning exhibition of fearless strokeplay. He raced to his half-century in 32 balls and needed only another 23 deliveries to bring up his next fifty, dismantling the English attack with remarkable ease.

He found solid support in skipper Ayush Mhatre, and the duo stitched together a commanding 142-run partnership in 19 overs to put India in a dominant position. Mhatre contributed a composed 53 off 51 balls before departing.

Sooryavanshi’s memorable innings eventually came to an end when Manny Lumsden bowled him out, with Thomas Rew completing the catch. The young batter walked back to a standing ovation from both teammates and England players, who acknowledged the brilliance of his performance.

India, led by Mhatre, entered the final aiming for a record sixth Under-19 World Cup title in what was their 10th appearance in the summit clash. England, captained by Rew, were chasing only their second crown, having last won the tournament in 1998. Notably, both teams reached the final unbeaten.

India had booked their place by defeating Afghanistan by seven wickets in the semifinal, highlighted by a historic chase of 311 — the highest successful run chase in Under-19 World Cup history. Aaron George led the effort with a fluent 115, while Sooryavanshi and Mhatre added crucial half-centuries.

England, on the other hand, advanced after a 27-run win over Australia, powered by captain Thomas Rew’s impressive 110. Their bowlers also played a key role, preventing Australia’s Oliver Peake, who scored 100 off 88 balls, from steering the game away.

India U-19 Playing XI: Aaron George, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre (c), Vihaan Malhotra, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (w), RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran.

England U-19 Playing XI: Ben Dawkins, Joseph Moores, Ben Mayes, Thomas Rew (w/c), Caleb Falconer, Ralphie Albert, Farhan Ahmed, Sebastian Morgan, James Minto, Manny Lumsden, Alex Green.

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