India’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 14, Shines with 175 in U-19 World Cup Final
The U-19 World Cup final witnessed a sensational performance from India’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who at just 14 years old, scored an impressive 175 runs off 80 balls. This remarkable knock occurred at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe, showcasing Suryavanshi’s immense talent and potential in cricket.
Historic Performance by Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Suryavanshi’s innings included a staggering 15 sixes and 15 fours, achieving a phenomenal strike rate of 218.75. He began cautiously, scoring only 24 runs from his first 24 balls, but accelerated dramatically, amassing 151 runs from just 56 deliveries.
Key Moments of the Innings
- Suryavanshi’s innings lasted for 126 minutes before being dismissed by England’s Manny Lumsden.
- He was caught out attempting a slog sweep, marking a crucial moment in the match.
- His dismissal came with India at a commanding 251-3 in the 26th over.
As Suryavanshi walked off the field, several England players acknowledged his brilliance with handshakes, underscoring the respect earned through his spectacular performance. India finished their innings at 411-9, marking the fifth highest total recorded in U-19 World Cup history and setting a new record for a final.
England’s Struggle to Chase
In response, England faced a daunting task, needing to maintain a run rate of 8.24 from the start. A promising second-wicket partnership between Ben Dawkins and Ben Mayes momentarily offered hope. Mayes, the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 45 runs off 28 balls, appeared confident until he was dismissed while attempting a reverse sweep.
Innings Collapse
Despite skipper Thomas Rew contributing 31 runs off 18 balls, England’s batting lineup faltered. They suffered a shocking collapse, losing four wickets for just three runs. Their score plummeted to 177-7 during a critical phase of the match.
| Player | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Ben Mayes | 45 | 28 |
| Thomas Rew | 31 | 18 |
| Caleb Falconer | 115 | 63 |
Caleb Falconer’s outstanding performance brought a glimmer of hope for England. He achieved a century but ultimately fell for 115 runs, caught at backward point. Despite his efforts, England was unable to chase down India’s total.
India’s U-19 World Cup Glory
This victory marks India’s sixth title in the U-19 World Cup, reinforcing their dominance in youth cricket. England, on the other hand, last claimed the championship in 1998, a reminder of their long wait for success at this level.
