Historic Sixth Title
India's Under-19 men's squad has etched their name in cricketing history by securing their sixth World Cup championship. The triumphant final saw them
defeat England by a commanding 100 runs at the Harare Sports Club. This victory is not just a standalone achievement but the final piece in a stunning mosaic of global cricket cup successes for India over the past couple of years. The senior men's team, under Rohit Sharma's captaincy, lifted the T20 World Cup in 2024. Following this, the Under-19 women's team, led by Niki Prasad, claimed the T20 World Cup in 2025. Adding to the glory, the senior women's team, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, triumphed in the ODI World Cup 2025 on home soil. The Under-19 men's team's victory completes this unparalleled sweep, a feat unmatched by any other nation across various age categories and genders in cricket.
Legacy Carried Forward
Ayush Mhatre, the captain of the victorious Under-19 men's team, expressed immense pride in upholding the winning tradition set by cricketing icons Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur. Mhatre articulated that the team's journey was an incredible and memorable one, highlighting the boys' exceptional performance and flawless execution of their set goals. He emphasized the team's ability to play their natural game, which was key to their success. "We are happy that we have carried forward the legacy that Rohit Sharma also won the World Cup, Harmanpreet also, and now us. So we are proud to carry forward the legacy," Mhatre stated after the exhilarating trophy lift. This sentiment underscores the young team's ambition and their deep respect for the established stars of Indian cricket, aiming to emulate their achievements on the global stage.
Sooryavanshi's Masterclass
The U19 captain, Ayush Mhatre, also reserved special praise for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose explosive batting display in the final was instrumental in overwhelming England. Sooryavanshi's remarkable innings saw him score a blistering 175 runs off just 80 deliveries, a knock punctuated by 15 boundaries and an astonishing 10 sixes. This record-breaking century powered India to a formidable total of 411/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Despite a spirited effort from England's Caleb Falconer, who also scored a brilliant century of 115 runs from 67 balls, the Indian bowling attack proved too strong. RS Ambrish was the standout bowler for India, claiming 3 wickets for 56 runs in nine overs, supported by Deepesh Devendran (2/64) and Kanishk Chouhan (2/63) who chipped in with two wickets each, ultimately bundling England out for 311 in 40.2 overs.
Player of the Match & Series
Following India's dominant victory, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match for his sensational century that set up the win. His outstanding performance extended beyond the final, as he was also named Player of the Series. Sooryavanshi concluded the tournament as the second-highest run-scorer, amassing an impressive 439 runs across seven innings. He maintained an exceptional average of 62.71 and a blistering strike rate of 169.49. His tournament haul included one century and three half-centuries, showcasing consistent brilliance throughout the World Cup campaign. His stellar batting performance exemplified the attacking flair and determination that characterized India's successful journey.
