Sachin Tendulkar Hails 'Timeless Blockbuster' As India Win U19 World Cup: 'When You Have A Sooryavanshi...'

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar took to social media to congratulate the India under-19 team on their record-extending sixth U-19 World Cup title with a 100-run win over England at the Harare Sports Club on Friday.

Sachin Tendulkar’s post read: “Champions! So proud of this young group and the fearless cricket they played. Well done to the entire team, including coaches and support staff. Enjoy the moment! When you have a Sooryavanshi, a timeless blockbuster is expected! Well done, Vaibhav!”

Champions!

So proud of this young group and the fearless cricket they played. Well done to the entire team, including coaches and support staff. Enjoy the moment!

When you have a Sooryavanshi, a timeless blockbuster is expected! Well done, Vaibhav! pic.twitter.com/wGXtwt55SS

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 6, 2026

How India Beat England To Win U19 World Cup?

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played perhaps the most extraordinary innings in U-19 World Cup history, propelling India to a record sixth title with a 100-run victory over England in the final on Friday. Sooryavanshi’s 175 from 80 balls, featuring a record 15 sixes and as many fours, helped India post a formidable 411 for 9 after England chose to bowl first.

England, bruised by Sooryavanshi’s assault, managed 311 in 40.2 overs, falling short of the 412 target set by India’s well-rounded bowling attack. Caleb Falconer was England’s top scorer with a dazzling 115 off 67 balls, leaving a mark on the grand stage and reducing the margin of defeat.

The 14-year-old Sooryavanshi’s knock, reaching 100 in just 55 balls, made him the second fastest centurion in the tournament’s history. India’s dominance in age-group cricket is credited to a robust domestic structure, extensive talent pool, advanced coaching, quality preparation, and youth passion for the game. India last won the tournament in 2022.

Once India surpassed 400 in the final, they were strong favourites, and the bowlers did their part as a collective unit. This achievement mirrored the feats of past Indian U-19 teams, featuring stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. However, this team, led by Ayush Mhatre, carved a unique niche, exemplified by Sooryavanshi’s ruthless performance.

Sooryavanshi’s knock is now the highest individual score in a U-19 World Cup final and contributed to the highest team total in the tournament’s summit clash. He reached his fifty in 32 balls and continued to torment the English bowlers, with his second fifty coming in just 23 balls. His 175 included 150 runs from boundaries, turning the Harare Sports Club into his playground.

Sooryavanshi now holds the Youth ODI record for most sixes in an innings, surpassing his previous record of 14 sixes against UAE in December. He also set the fastest 150 in U-19 cricket, achieving it in 71 balls, bettering Ben Mayes’ 98-ball record.

Sooryavanshi celebrated his 100 and 150 while Vedant Trivedi faced only four deliveries. At the halfway mark, India’s run rate was around 10, projecting a total of 500. Sooryavanshi, from Samastipur, Bihar, was eventually dismissed in the 26th over, attempting a scoop shot off Manny Lumsden, resulting in a catch by wicketkeeper Thomas Rew.

England players congratulated Sooryavanshi for his remarkable innings. He added 142 runs in 19 overs with skipper Ayush Mhatre, who scored a 51-ball 53. Sooryavanshi’s 22 sixes in this edition surpassed South Africa’s Dewald Brevis’ 18 sixes record from 2022. He also became the youngest centurion in tournament history.

Sooryavanshi targeted all English bowlers, particularly left-arm spinner Ralphie Albert and off-spinner Farhad Ahmed, who conceded 27 and 22 runs respectively. Manny Lumsden and Sebastian Morgan gave away 81 and 74 runs in eight and nine overs, respectively.

After Sooryavanshi’s dismissal, contributions from Abhigyan Kundu (40 off 31), Vedant Trivendi (32 off 36), Vihaan Malhotra (30 off 36), and Kanishk Chouhan (37 off 20) ensured India maintained control, despite England’s efforts to pull back.

(With inputs from Agencies)