Indian cricket's latest teenage prodigy, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, announced his arrival on the global stage with a record-shattering innings that powered the India Under-19 team to a commanding eight-wicket victory over South Africa Under-19 in Benoni on Monday. The 14-year-old opener played a knock for the ages, breaking a long-standing record held by none other than current Indian superstar Rishabh Pant.
A Record-Breaking Blitz at Willowmoore Park
Chasing a target of 246 at Willowmoore Park, the young captain provided a breathtaking exhibition of power-hitting. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi raced to a fifty in just 15 deliveries, eclipsing the previous fastest fifty in Youth ODI cricket. That record of 18 balls was set by Rishabh Pant during the 2016 Under-19 World Cup against Nepal in Dhaka.
Although rain later interrupted the match, leading to a revised target of 174 from 27 overs under the DLS method, the damage had already been done. Sooryavanshi's explosive start had decisively tilted the contest in India's favour, leaving the South African bowlers shell-shocked.
Captain's Knock Seals the Series
Leading from the front, Sooryavanshi was eventually dismissed after a sensational 68-run knock that came off a mere 24 balls. His innings was a spectacle of clean hitting, studded with 10 colossal sixes and one boundary. His fearless approach ensured that India chased down the revised target comfortably in just 23.3 overs, winning with 21 balls to spare.
This victory sealed the three-match series for India with an unassailable 2-0 lead, with one game still remaining. The win was built on the foundation of Sooryavanshi's early assault, which effectively ended the contest as a contest within the first few overs of the chase.
Building a Reputation as a Phenomenal Talent
This innings adds another glittering chapter to the growing legend of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The prodigy is no stranger to record books. He already holds the record for the fastest Under-19 hundred, having smashed a century off just 52 balls against England in Worcester last year.
His timing is impeccable, with the Under-19 World Cup scheduled to begin on January 15 in Zimbabwe and Namibia. This form surge positions him as a key player for India's campaign in the global tournament, offering a massive boost to the team's prospects.
Earlier in the match, South Africa Under-19, after choosing to bat first, were bowled out for 245 in 49.3 overs. Jason Rowles anchored their innings with a fine 114 off 113 balls, and shared a 97-run partnership with Daniel Bosman (31). However, the hosts lost momentum in the later stages of their innings.
India's bowling attack kept the scoring in check, led by Kishan Singh's impressive haul of 4 for 46. RS Ambrish provided valuable support by chipping in with two wickets. In reply, the Indian openers came out with clear intent, racing to 50 in just over four overs before Sooryavanshi single-handedly took the game away from the opposition.
