Harare, Zimbabwe – Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi earned widespread praise after his explosive 68 runs helped India secure a historic seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026 semi-final on Wednesday. India successfully chased a record target of 311 runs, booking their spot in Friday's title decider against England.
Sooryavanshi's Game-Changing Innings
The 14-year-old left-handed opener, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, played a fearless knock of 68 runs from just 33 balls. His innings featured nine fours and four towering sixes, quickly shifting momentum in India's favor. Sooryavanshi reached his half-century in a mere 24 balls, providing India with a blistering start against a formidable Afghanistan total.[cricketwinner+3]
India's captain, Ayush Mhatre, singled out Sooryavanshi's contribution during the post-match presentation at the Harare Sports Club. "It was really important for us because after 10 overs we had 90 runs and that was fabulous for us," Mhatre said. He added that Vaibhav "just released the pressure," making it easier for other batsmen to build the innings.[cricketwinner+2]
Breaking Records and Setting the Tone
Sooryavanshi's impactful performance also saw him break a long-standing Indian record in the Under-19 World Cup. His four sixes in the semi-final took his tournament tally to 15 maximums, surpassing Sanju Samson's previous record of 12 sixes for an Indian player in the U19 World Cup. This achievement highlights his aggressive batting style and ability to dominate bowling attacks.[cricketnews+1]
Earlier in the tournament, Sooryavanshi also made history by becoming the youngest cricketer to register a 50-plus score in a Men's U19 World Cup match. He achieved this feat with a score of 72 runs from 67 deliveries against Bangladesh. These consistent performances have established him as a key player for the Indian side.[sports+1]
India's Dominant Run to the Final
India's chase of 311 runs against Afghanistan was the highest successful run-chase in the history of the Under-19 World Cup. After Sooryavanshi's explosive start, his opening partner Aaron George continued the charge with a century, scoring 115 runs from 104 balls. Captain Ayush Mhatre also contributed a crucial 62 runs, guiding India to victory with seven wickets in hand and more than eight overs to spare.[tribuneindia+4]
This victory marks India's sixth consecutive appearance in the Under-19 World Cup final, and their tenth overall. The team has shown remarkable consistency throughout the tournament, demonstrating strong batting depth and a resilient bowling attack. India aims to extend its record by securing a sixth Under-19 World Cup title.[icc-cricket+4]
The Highly Anticipated Final Clash
India will now face England in the final on Friday, February 7, in Harare. England is the only other unbeaten side in the tournament, setting the stage for an intriguing battle between two strong contenders.[icc-cricket+2]
Captain Mhatre acknowledged England's quality but emphasized his team's focus. "England is also a fabulous team," he said. "They have played some really nice games in this tournament, but we have a simple plan. Just play our game, not to see the opponent." Mhatre stressed playing each ball on its merits and adapting to the conditions.[icc-cricket+2]
The final promises to be a thrilling encounter as India seeks to defend its title and add another prestigious trophy to its cabinet. The team's strong performances, highlighted by young talents like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, have fueled high expectations for a memorable finish.[icc-cricket]
