New Delhi: India seized control of the ICC Under 19 World Cup final in Harare with a sensational batting display led by Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who blasted a breathtaking century off just 55 balls to put his team in a commanding position against England. The knock became the fastest hundred by an Indian in the history of the tournament and turned the momentum firmly in India’s favour.
After winning the toss, captain Ayush Mhatre chose to bat first on what appeared to be a good surface. India suffered an early blow when opener Aaron George was dismissed in the fourth over, raising hopes for the English camp. However, Suryavanshi and Mhatre responded with remarkable composure, stitching together a partnership of 142 runs for the second wicket that steadied the innings and set the platform for a big total.
Suryavanshi was the aggressor in the stand, attacking the bowlers with fearless stroke play. He reached his half century in just 32 balls and continued to accelerate, finding the boundary with ease on both sides of the wicket. During his innings he also became the batter with the most sixes in a single edition of the Under 19 World Cup, underlining his dominance throughout the campaign.
Mhatre provided solid support at the other end, mixing caution with timely boundaries before being dismissed for a well made 53 in the 19th over. By the time the partnership ended, India had wrested complete control of the contest and placed England under severe pressure.
Both teams entered the final unbeaten, promising a close battle, but India’s top order display has tilted the contest decisively. The Indian side retained the same playing eleven from the previous match, while England made one change to their lineup in search of a breakthrough.
With Suryavanshi still leading the charge and plenty of batting to come, India are well placed to set a formidable target. The young left hander’s record breaking effort has already marked the final as one of the most memorable performances in the tournament’s history.
