New Delhi: Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi summed up this historic night in simple and heartfelt words – be grateful for the moment, be proud of your contribution and stay awake for the journey ahead. “Abhi bohot dur tak hai jaana,” the teenage star wrote after scripting one of the most extraordinary performances in Under-19 World Cup history.Sooryavanshi scored a brilliant 175 off just 80 balls to help India beat England by 100 runs in the final in Harare on Friday to win the ICC Under-19 World Cup for the sixth time. His batting was a stunning blend of fearless batting and maturity beyond his years – completely eclipsing England’s Caleb Falconer’s heroic century.
After India opted to bat, Suryavansh produced a record-breaking masterclass, hitting 15 fours and 15 sixes to propel his team to a daunting 411/9. Skipper Ayush Mhatre scored a composed 53 while Abhigyan Kundu’s brisk 40 ensured that India never lost momentum. England struggled after a promising start, slipping from 142/2 to 177/7. Falconer had a lonely battle with 115 off 67 balls, but that target proved too far off as England’s wait for a second U-19 title stretched into 1998.Later, the young batting prodigy from Samastipur in Bihar posted a picture with the trophy on Instagram and recalled the moment. “I really enjoyed being there and glad I could contribute to this win, which will always hold a special place in my heart,” he wrote, expressing his gratitude for the overwhelming support. The Indian team dominated the match and earned critical acclaim from the cricketing fraternity. Virat KohliHe, who captained India to the U-19 Championship in 2008, praised the team’s continued excellence at the age-group level while head coach Gautam Gambhir Claim: “The bright future is here.”For Sooryavanshi, though, the message is clear – this is just the beginning.
