Suryavanshi scored 86 runs off 31 balls, helping India take a 2-1 lead in the series
Suryavanshi scored 86 runs off 31 balls, helping India take a 2-1 lead in the series
Nine sixes by Suryavanshi is the highest number of maximums hit by an Indian batter in an Under-19 ODI. His 20-ball half-century stands as the second-fastest by an Indian in youth ODIs, only behind Rishabh Pant's 18-ball fifty against Nepal U19 in 2016.
India Under-19s registered a memorable win in the third one-day match of their series against England, thanks to a wonderful batting performance from 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who struck one of the most electrifying innings in youth cricket history. Chasing England’s competitive total of 269 in a rain-shortened 40-over match, Suryavanshi blazed his way to the third-fastest fifty ever recorded in India U-19s history off just 20 balls and went on to score a breathtaking 86 off 31 deliveries, filled with six fours and nine towering sixes.
His innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting, combining raw power and confidence well beyond his age. From the moment he stepped onto the pitch, Suryavanshi wasted no time, punishing England’s bowlers with clean hits that soared to every corner of the ground, including a six that cleared the stadium and reportedly landed in the car park. He dominated the early overs, and by the time he was dismissed, India had already stormed to 111/2 in just eight overs.
His explosive start gave India a massive edge in the chase, allowing his partner Vihaan Malhotra to settle in and contribute a classy 46 off 34 balls. While India briefly lost momentum losing three wickets for 30 runs they recovered steadily thanks to a composed, unbeaten stand of 75 runs between Kanishk Chouhan (43) and RS Ambrish (31), who calmly guided India to victory with more than five overs to spare.
Earlier in the day, England’s batting effort was headlined by Thomas Rew, who continued his rich form with an unbeaten 76 off 44 balls, laced with nine boundaries and three sixes. He had already made headlines with his 131 in the previous game and looked equally threatening here. His late acceleration, including a 21-run penultimate over, took England to 268/6, providing a solid total for their bowlers to defend.
The English innings had its moments of dominance, particularly early on, when Ben Dawkins (62 off 61) and Isaac Mohammed (41) stitched a healthy 78-run opening stand. Dawkins played fluently, driving confidently through cover and contributing to a brisk start. However, India struck back through Chouhan and Pushpak, leading to a collapse in the middle overs where England lost four wickets for 35 runs in just over six overs. Rew then took charge again, partnering with Ralphie Albert (21) to add 60 runs and finish the innings strongly.
India’s chase began like a rocket. Suryavanshi, known for his explosive batting in the IPL earlier this year, showed exactly why he’s a rising star. He started by lofting sixes over long-off, backward square, and deep cover treating the crowd to a thrilling exhibition of strokeplay. His 50-run partnership with Malhotra took only 16 balls, and it was mostly his doing; Malhotra had only five runs at that point.
After Suryavanshi’s dismissal caught while attempting another big hit India saw a brief stumble with two quick wickets falling. Rahul Kumar (27) joined Malhotra to stabilise the innings, and their stand of 46 ensured the momentum didn’t slip away. Malhotra fell shortly after when he chipped a return catch, and Rahul was dismissed trying to pull, but India still had depth in their batting.
The English bowlers fought hard and created chances Chouhan was dropped twice in the outfield but the Indian lower order held their nerve. Chouhan and Ambrish handled the remaining chase with maturity, refusing to panic and finding gaps to keep the scoreboard ticking. Their partnership sealed the match in style, handing India a commanding 2-1 lead in the series.
This win will be remembered not just for the result, but for the emergence of a young batting prodigy. Suryavanshi’s innings was bold, brutal, and beautiful and if this is just the beginning, cricket fans better buckle up.