In a stunning display of raw power and fearless batting, 14-year-old opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi rewrote the record books and powered the India Under-19 cricket team to a commanding eight-wicket victory over South Africa Under-19 in Benoni on Monday. The teenage captain played a whirlwind knock that shattered a long-standing record held by current Indian star Rishabh Pant.
A Record-Shattering Innings
Chasing a target of 246 at Willowmoore Park, the young prodigy launched an unprecedented assault on the South African bowling attack. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi blazed his way to a fifty in just 15 balls, eclipsing the previous fastest fifty in Youth ODIs—an 18-ball effort by Rishabh Pant set against Nepal during the 2016 Under-19 World Cup in Dhaka. His explosive start decisively tilted the match in India's favour, even before rain intervened.
After the weather delay, the target was revised to 174 runs from 27 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. However, the damage had already been done. Sooryavanshi continued his onslaught and was eventually dismissed for a spectacular 68 runs off a mere 24 deliveries. His innings was a breathtaking exhibition of clean hitting, featuring 10 massive sixes and one boundary.
Sealing the Series in Style
Led by their captain's fearless approach, the Indian team chased down the revised target comfortably in just 23.3 overs, winning with 21 balls to spare. This victory gave India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with one game still to play. Sooryavanshi's knock not only secured the win but also sent a strong message to other teams ahead of the upcoming global tournament.
This performance adds another remarkable chapter to the young batter's growing legacy. Sooryavanshi already holds the record for the fastest Under-19 century, a feat he achieved with a 52-ball hundred 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, making this form surge a huge positive for Indian cricket.
South Africa's Fight and India's Bowling Effort
Earlier in the match, South Africa Under-19, after choosing to bat first, were bowled out for 245 in 49.3 overs. Jason Rowles was the standout performer for the hosts, scoring a fine 114 off 113 balls. He built a solid 97-run partnership with Daniel Bosman, who contributed 31 runs. However, the South African innings lost momentum in the later stages, failing to post a more challenging total.
The Indian bowling attack performed commendably to restrict the opposition. Kishan Singh was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4 wickets for 46 runs. He received good support from RS Ambrish, who chipped in with two crucial wickets. This collective effort set the stage for the openers to launch an aggressive chase, which they did by racing to 50 runs in just over four overs before Sooryavanshi took complete control of the contest.
The cricketing world is now keenly watching this teenage sensation, whose record-breaking power-hitting has announced his arrival on the international youth stage in the most spectacular fashion imaginable.
