Harare, Zimbabwe – A Golden Chapter in Indian Cricket History
The India vs England Under19 World Cup Final has gone down as one of the most remarkable nights in youth cricket history, not only because of India’s record-breaking victory but also due to the sheer dominance displayed by the young side on the biggest stage. India’s Under-19 cricket team lifted the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026 trophy after crushing England by a massive 100-run margin, sealing their record sixth World Cup title.
As celebrations erupted across India, the country’s top leadership—including President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah—came forward to congratulate the young champions, hailing their unbeaten run and historic achievement.
At the heart of this triumph stood 14-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose sensational 175 off just 80 balls in the final stunned the cricketing world and rewrote Under-19 World Cup history.
India’s Leaders Applaud the Young Champions
The scale of India’s achievement in the India vs England Under19 World Cup Final was reflected in the reactions from the nation’s highest offices.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “India’s Cricketing Talent Shines”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Under-19 team for their consistency, discipline, and fearless cricket throughout the tournament. Taking to social media platform X, the Prime Minister described the victory as a source of inspiration for the country’s youth.
“India’s cricketing talent shines! Proud of our U-19 team for bringing home the World Cup. The team has played very well through the tournament, showcasing exceptional skill. This win will inspire several young sportspersons too. Best wishes to the players for their upcoming endeavours,” the Prime Minister said.
Modi’s message resonated strongly, particularly with young athletes who see the Under-19 pathway as a stepping stone to international cricket.
President Droupadi Murmu Highlights Unbeaten Run
President Droupadi Murmu also extended her heartfelt congratulations, underlining the significance of India winning the Under-19 World Cup without losing a single match.
“Heartiest congratulations to Team India on winning the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 for the record sixth time! Remaining undefeated throughout the tournament, the team has done the nation proud with its dominant performance. I wish the talented young players a very bright future ahead. I am sure that Indian cricket will go from strength to strength,” President Murmu stated.
Her words reflected the confidence that India’s youth system continues to produce world-class talent capable of sustaining the country’s cricketing supremacy.
Vice-President and Home Minister Praise Historic Moment
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan called the triumph a historic milestone and offered special praise to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his record-breaking performance in the final.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah echoed similar sentiments, describing the victory as a proud moment for the entire nation and a motivational beacon for young players.
“Congratulations to our young champs as Team India lifts the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup. Your blazing performance, setting the crowning record of winning the cup for the sixth time, thrilled young players with joy, enthusiasm and motivation. The nation celebrates your victory,” Shah said.
India vs England Under19 World Cup Final: Match Overview
The final, held at the Harare Sports Club, showcased India’s complete dominance—from the toss to the final wicket.
Match Summary Table
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026 |
| Final Match | India vs England Under19 World Cup Final |
| Venue | Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe |
| Toss | India won the toss and batted first |
| India Score | 411/9 (50 overs) |
| England Score | 311 all out |
| Result | India won by 100 runs |
| Player of the Match | Vaibhav Sooryavanshi |
| Player of the Tournament | Vaibhav Sooryavanshi |
India’s decision to bat first proved decisive, as they unleashed one of the most destructive batting displays ever witnessed in an Under-19 World Cup final.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Historic 175: A Knock for the Ages
The India vs England Under19 World Cup Final will forever be remembered for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s extraordinary innings—an exhibition of fearless strokeplay rarely seen at any level, let alone in a World Cup final.
At just 14 years of age, Sooryavanshi played with maturity beyond his years, dismantling England’s bowling attack with precision and power.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Final Innings at a Glance
| Statistic | Number |
|---|---|
| Runs Scored | 175 |
| Balls Faced | 80 |
| Fours | 15 |
| Sixes | 15 |
| Strike Rate | 218.75 |
| Half-century | 32 balls |
| Century | 55 balls |
His innings not only propelled India to a mammoth total of 411 runs but also shattered multiple records along the way.
Breaking Records in the India vs England Under19 World Cup Final
Sooryavanshi’s innings eclipsed Unmukt Chand’s unbeaten 111 in the 2012 final against Australia, making it the highest individual score in an Under-19 World Cup final.
Additionally, his knock surpassed Raj Bawa’s 162* against Uganda in 2022 to become the highest score by an Indian batter in Under-19 World Cup history.
Key Records Broken
| Record | Previous Holder | New Record |
|---|---|---|
| Highest score in U-19 WC Final | Unmukt Chand (111*) | Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (175) |
| Most sixes in a single U-19 WC | Dewald Brevis (22) | Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (30) |
| Fastest century in U-19 WC Final | — | 55 balls |
His six-hitting spree, featuring 30 sixes in the tournament, underlined his ability to dominate bowling attacks across conditions.
Captain Ayush Mhatre’s Crucial Support
While Sooryavanshi grabbed the headlines, India captain Ayush Mhatre played a vital role with a composed 53 runs, stitching together a 142-run partnership with the teenage sensation.
Mhatre praised Sooryavanshi’s innings, admitting that even the dressing room was left searching for words.
“We have no words for his innings. We know he is a fabulous batsman and he’s shown in this match what he can do,” the Indian skipper said.
Their partnership laid the foundation for India’s towering total and effectively sealed the match well before the second innings began.
England’s Brave Chase Falls Short
Facing a target of 412 runs, England required the highest successful chase in Under-19 World Cup history—an almost impossible task under pressure.
Opener Ben Dawkins gave England early hope with a brisk 66, while Caleb Falconer fought valiantly in the middle order, scoring a determined 115.
England’s Key Batting Performances
| Player | Runs |
|---|---|
| Caleb Falconer | 115 |
| Ben Dawkins | 66 |
| Others | Failed to build partnerships |
Despite these efforts, England were eventually bowled out for 311, falling short by 100 runs, the largest margin of victory in an Under-19 World Cup final.
England captain Thomas Rew acknowledged the challenge of containing a player like Sooryavanshi.
“It’s always going to be tough when a player like that gets going. He’s showed us before what he can do and we were scratching our heads a little bit. Today Vaibhav came off and fair play to him,” Rew said.
India’s Unbeaten March to the Title
India’s triumph in the India vs England Under19 World Cup Final capped an unbeaten campaign marked by discipline, depth, and adaptability.
India’s Tournament Journey
| Stage | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | Multiple teams | Won all matches |
| Super Six | — | Unbeaten |
| Semi-Final | — | Comfortable win |
| Final | England | Won by 100 runs |
Throughout the tournament, India showcased a balanced squad with match-winners in every department.
From IPL to World Stage: Sooryavanshi’s Meteoric Rise
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s journey to global fame began well before the India vs England Under19 World Cup Final. The prodigy had already made headlines after becoming the youngest player to score a century in men’s T20 cricket during an Indian Premier League match.
Playing for Rajasthan Royals, he smashed 101 off just 38 balls against Gujarat Titans—an innings that announced his arrival on the big stage.
His previous success against England, including a stunning 143 off 78 balls in Worcester last year, hinted at the storm that would unfold in Harare.
What This Victory Means for Indian Cricket
India’s sixth Under-19 World Cup title reinforces the strength of its grassroots system and talent identification programs. The India vs England Under19 World Cup Final served as a reminder that the country’s future pipeline is not just strong—it is overflowing with world-class potential.
This generation, led by fearless talents like Sooryavanshi and calm leaders like Mhatre, appears ready to transition seamlessly into senior cricket in the years ahead.
Also read: Ranji Trophy Prasidh Krishna Shines as Karnataka Dominate Mumbai on Day One of Quarter-Final Clash
Conclusion: A Night That Defined a Generation
The India vs England Under19 World Cup Final was more than just a cricket match—it was a celebration of youth, preparation, and belief. From record-breaking batting displays to heartfelt congratulations from national leaders, India’s sixth Under-19 World Cup triumph will be remembered as a defining moment in the country’s cricketing journey.
As the young champions return home to a hero’s welcome, one thing is clear: the future of Indian cricket has never looked brighter.
