KEY POINTS
- Opener Sooryavanshi smashed a record 175 off 80 balls to set up India’s massive 411 total.
- England’s Caleb Falconer scored a fighting 115 but lacked support in the chase.
- India’s disciplined bowling attack sealed the historic victory despite Falconer’s resistance.
HARARE: India’s future stars cemented their cricketing legacy with a performance of sheer dominance, securing a record-extending sixth ICC Men’s U19 World Cup trophy after a commanding 100-run victory over England in the final at Harare Sports Club on Friday.
Chasing a mammoth target of 412, England were bowled out for 311 in 40.2 overs, succumbing to the relentless pressure of a disciplined Indian bowling unit.
Sooryavanshi’s blitz sets up colossal total
Asked to bat first, India weathered an early blow with the loss of opener Aaron George. What followed was a batting masterclass from Aarav Sooryavanshi, who played one of the most destructive innings in tournament history. He forged a crucial 142-run partnership with captain Ayush Mhatre (53), laying a solid foundation before exploding in a breathtaking display of power-hitting.
Sooryavanshi bludgeoned 175 runs off just 80 deliveries, an innings laced with 15 fours and 15 sixes, striking at a phenomenal rate of 218.75. His assault single-handedly demoralized the English attack, propelling India to an imposing 411 all out.
Valuable cameos from Vedant Trivedi (32), Vihaan Malhotra (30), and Abhigyan Kundu (40) ensured the scoreboard pressure remained immense.
Falconer’s lone fight in vain as England succumb
England’s chase began with intent, with opener Ben Dawkins (66 off 56) and Ben Mayes (45 off 28) providing a brisk start. However, regular wickets prevented the innings from gaining sustained momentum.
A glimmer of hope emerged through a defiant 92-run eighth-wicket stand between Caleb Falconer and James Minto. Falconer, in particular, fought a lone and valiant battle, registering a superb century under immense pressure. He eventually fell for a magnificent 115 off 67 balls (9×4, 7×6), a knock that ended with England’s final wicket.
Disciplined bowling seals historic win
The Indian bowling attack, though challenged by Falconer’s heroics, displayed remarkable composure. The breakthrough partnerships at key moments stifled England’s progress.
Spinner Ambrish was instrumental, claiming crucial wickets to break threatening stands, while Kanishk Chouhan delivered the final blow by dismissing the centurion Falconer.
The victory was a complete team performance, built on a foundation of explosive batting and clinical bowling. This historic sixth title underscores India’s unparalleled depth and systematic excellence in nurturing young cricketing talent, setting a formidable benchmark in age-group cricket.
Brief Scores
India: 411 all out in 47.2 overs (Aarav Sooryavanshi 175, Ayush Mhatre 53; James Minto 2/62)
England: 311 all out in 40.2 overs (Caleb Falconer 115, Ben Dawkins 66; Ambrish 2/48)
