The Harare Sports Club witnessed history on Friday as India’s Under-19 team scripted a commanding 100-run victory over England in the 2026 World Cup final, securing their sixth championship. Leading the charge was opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi, whose explosive 175-run innings – laced with 15 boundaries and 15 maximums off 80 deliveries – not only powered India to 411/9 but also earned him dual honors: Player of the Match and Player of the Series.
In the emotional aftermath, Suryavanshi reflected on the unseen struggles. ‘We can’t put into words the emotions right now. The support staff has been with us forever, keeping us fit. This is for them,’ he shared. He highlighted the 7-8 months of non-stop preparation, stressing that ‘only players know the real effort involved.’
England’s chase never took off, folding at 311 in 40.2 overs. Caleb Faulkner’s gritty 115 couldn’t salvage the innings against India’s disciplined attack. Suryavanshi credited a pressure-free approach: ‘We just played our natural game, following the process from the last 8-9 months.’ His confidence in high-stakes scenarios shone through.
This triumph underscores India’s dominance in age-group cricket. Suryavanshi broke records left and right, signaling a bright future. The final scorecard tells the tale: India’s batting depth overwhelmed England completely. As the team lifted the trophy, Suryavanshi’s tribute reminded everyone of the sacrifices behind glory.
Looking ahead, these young guns are primed for bigger battles. England’s bowlers were left shell-shocked, while Faulkner’s knock stands as a personal highlight in defeat. India’s U19 success story continues, built on sweat, strategy, and unyielding belief.