Kamal Ghorui
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.
