NEW DELHI: Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi summed up a historic night in simple, heartfelt words — grateful for the moment, proud of the contribution, and clear-eyed about the journey ahead. “Abhi bohot dur tak hai jaana,” the teenage sensation wrote after scripting one of the most extraordinary performances in Under-19 World Cup history.Sooryavanshi’s scintillating 175 off just 80 balls powered India to their record-extending sixth ICC Under-19 World Cup title as they crushed England by 100 runs in the final at Harare on Friday. His knock — a breathtaking blend of fearless strokeplay and maturity beyond his years — completely outshone a valiant century from England’s Caleb Falconer.
After India opted to bat, Sooryavanshi produced a record-shattering masterclass, smashing 15 fours and 15 sixes to propel the side to a daunting 411/9. Skipper Ayush Mhatre chipped in with a composed 53, while Abhigyan Kundu’s brisk 40 ensured India never lost momentum. In response, England faltered after a promising start, sliding from 142/2 to 177/7. Falconer fought a lone battle with a powerful 115 off 67 balls, but the target proved far too steep as England’s wait for a second U-19 crown — stretching back to 1998 — continued.Later, the young batting prodigy from Samastipur, Bihar, took to Instagram, posting a photo with the trophy and reflecting on the moment. “Really enjoyed myself out there and happy that I could contribute to a win that will hold a special place in my heart forever,” he wrote, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support.India’s dominant campaign drew praise from across the cricketing fraternity. Virat Kohli, who captained India to the U-19 title in 2008, hailed the team’s sustained excellence at the age-group level, while head coach Gautam Gambhir declared, “The bright future is here.”For Sooryavanshi, though, the message was clear — this was just the beginning.