Vaibhav Suryavanshi delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 171 off 95 balls and leading India to a commanding 234-run victory over hosts UAE in the opening match of the U19 Asia Cup on Friday.
The
14-year-old from Samastipur, Bihar, showcased his exceptional batting skills by hitting 14 sixes, the most by any batter in a single innings at the U19 level, during his sensational knock.
Contributions from Vihaan Malhotra (69) and Aaron George (69) further strengthened India’s position as they amassed 433 for 6 in 50 overs. This total is India’s highest-ever in U19 ODIs and the highest in the history of the U19 Asia Cup.
In response, UAE struggled despite valiant fifties from Prithvi Madhu (50) and Uddish Suri (78 not out), managing only 199/7 in their 50 overs.
ACC U19 Asia Cup: India Vs UAE – Highlights
Suryavanshi’s explosive innings, which included nine boundaries, is now the second-highest score by an Indian in youth ODIs, trailing only Ambati Rayudu’s unbeaten 177 against England in 2002 and the ninth-highest score by a batter in men’s U19 ODIs.
After being sent in to bat, the young opener looked in a league of his own, reaching his fifty off just 30 balls and his century in just 56 deliveries.
He then formed a 212-run partnership with George, completely dominating the UAE bowlers. His powerful innings ended in the 33rd over when he was bowled by spinner Suri.
Following his dismissal, the middle-order maintained the momentum, with Vedant Trivedi (38), Abhigyan Kundu (32 not out), and Kanishk Chouhan (28) keeping the runs flowing to push India past the 400-run mark.
Facing a daunting target, UAE lost two wickets within the first four overs, and quick dismissals of Muhammad Rayan, Ayaan Misbah, and Ahmed Khudadad in the span of nine balls left them struggling at 48 for 5, effectively ending their chase.
Suri and Madhu added 85 runs to stop the collapse, but the damage had already been done.
Brief Score:
India 433 for 6 in 50 overs (Vaibhav Suryavanshi 171, Vihaan Malhotra 69, Aaron George 69; Yug Sharma 2/75.
UAE 199 for 7 in 50 overs (Uddish Suri 78 not out, Prithvi Madhu 50; Deepesh Devendran 2/21)
(With inputs from Agencies)
