India U19 Clinches World Cup Title with Dominant Victory Over England
In a thrilling display of cricketing prowess, the Indian Under-19 cricket team secured the 2026 Under-19 World Cup by defeating England by 100 runs in a high-scoring final at Harare, Zimbabwe, on Friday. The victory has drawn widespread acclaim from cricketing legends, with VVS Laxman praising the support staff and Ravi Shastri lauding the players for their exceptional performance.
VVS Laxman Hails Support Staff's Professionalism and Teamwork
VVS Laxman, the Director of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and a former Indian cricketer, took to social media to commend the support staff, led by coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar. In an X post, Laxman expressed immense pride in their collective effort, highlighting their professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care for the young players.
"Proud of what we achieved together. Your professionalism, attention to detail and genuine care for the boys made all the difference. This World Cup will always remind us of what true teamwork means. Thank you for everything you put in, day after day," Laxman wrote. He emphasized that the support staff's dedication was instrumental in guiding the team to success, underscoring the importance of behind-the-scenes contributions in achieving such a prestigious title.
Ravi Shastri Lauds Players' Composure and Character Under Pressure
Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri also shared his admiration for the India U19 squad, focusing on their composure, teamwork, and character during the high-pressure final. In his X post, Shastri noted that the victory was special not just for the win itself, but for the manner in which the team approached the game.
"Watching this India Under-19 side lift the World Cup was special. Not just because they won, but because of how they went about it - composed, aware of the moment, and willing to take responsibility when it mattered most. These boys handled pressure like seasoned pros and played for each other every step of the way. That tells you a lot about their character. Talent will get you noticed, but temperament is what takes you forward, and this group has plenty of both. Enjoy this win. Savour it. And remember, this is just the first chapter. Indian cricket will be hearing these names for a long time," Shastri stated. He highlighted the players' talent and temperament, predicting a bright future for them in Indian cricket.
Spectacular Batting Performance Powers India to Victory
The final match was marked by a spectacular batting display from India U19. Opting to bat first, India posted a mammoth total of 411/9 in their 50 overs, setting a daunting target of 412 for England. The innings was powered by Vaibhav Suryavanshi's blistering knock of 175 runs off just 80 balls, which included 15 fours and 15 sixes.
Suryavanshi's innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, as he reached his century in just 55 balls and his 150 in 71 balls, setting a new record for the fastest 150 in tournament history. His 15 sixes in a single innings also established a new U19 World Cup record. Captain Ayush Mhatre contributed a steady 53 off 51 balls, while Abhigyan Kundu (40 off 31 balls) and Kanishk Chouhan (37* off 20 balls) provided crucial support, ensuring India crossed the 400-run mark.
India's dominant performance set a new record for sixes in a Youth ODI final, with the team hitting 31 sixes, surpassing the previous record of 23.
England's Chase Falls Short Despite Valiant Efforts
England's chase began shakily, losing Joseph Moores for 17 in the fourth over. A partnership between Ben Dawkins and Ben Mayes offered some stability, but regular breakthroughs from India's bowlers kept England under constant pressure. Dawkins scored a fighting 66 off 56 balls, but wickets fell in clusters, including a key dismissal by Captain Ayush Mhatre.
Caleb Falconer staged a late counter-attack with a valiant 115 off 67 balls, featuring nine fours and seven sixes, but his efforts were in vain as India wrapped up the innings at 311 all out in 40.2 overs. RS Ambrish was India's leading bowler with figures of 3/56, supported by Deepesh Devendran (2/64) and Kanishk Chouhan (2/63).
Historical Context and Future Prospects
This victory adds to India's impressive record in the Under-19 World Cup, with previous wins in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2022. England, on the other hand, remains without a second title since their 1998 triumph. The win not only showcases India's dominance in youth cricket but also highlights the promising talent pipeline that continues to strengthen Indian cricket at the international level.
As VVS Laxman and Ravi Shastri emphasized, this achievement is a testament to teamwork, professionalism, and character. With such a strong foundation, the future looks bright for these young cricketers as they embark on their careers, poised to make significant contributions to Indian cricket in the years to come.
