Vaibhav Sooryavanshi impresses in South Africa, scoring a fifty and a hundred in successive innings before U-19 World Cup 2026.
India’s youth batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to command global attention with a breathtaking run of form ahead of the Under-19 World Cup 2026. At just 14 years old, Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise from a domestic wunderkind to a bona fide international headline grabber shows no signs of slowing.
Dynamic knocks in Benoni: Fifty & hundred in consecutive games
In the second Youth ODI at WillowmoorePark, Sooryavanshi produced one of the most explosive innings seen in Under-19 cricket this season. Chasing a revised target of 174 under the Duckworth-Lewis system (DLS), the left-handed captain blazed his way to 68 off just 24 deliveries, a knock that included 10 towering sixes and one classy four. His assault put India firmly in control and helped seal an eight-wicket victory over South Africa U-19, giving India an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series.
What made the innings particularly remarkable was not just the sheer volume of boundaries, but the manner in which they were scored. Sooryavanshi consistently cleared the ropes with authority, including multiple sixes over mid-wicket and long-on, displaying both raw power and the timing of a seasoned hitter. His half-century was reached in blistering fashion, underlining his ability to shift gears at will against quality bowling attacks.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again showcased his prodigious talent with a breathtaking century for India’s Under-19 team against South Africa U19 in the third Youth ODI at Willowmoore Park, Benoni. The 14-year-old captain reached triple figures in just 63 balls, ultimately finishing on 127 off 74 deliveries in a commanding innings that included nine fours and ten towering sixes as he tore apart South Africa’s bowling attack. His aggressive yet controlled strokeplay, from powerful pull shots over square leg to crisp drives through the off side, helped India post a daunting 393-7, setting an imposing total ahead of the series finale.
Coming on the heels of a blistering 68-run cameo off 24 balls in the previous Youth ODI, Sooryavanshi’s century not only underlined his unbelievable consistency but also his ability to dominate at every stage of an innings. The opening partnership of 227 runs with Aaron George laid the foundation for India’s massive score and demonstrated Sooryavanshi’s maturity in pacing an innings, blending calculated placement with explosive power. As India prepare for the U-19 World Cup 2026, this knock will stand out as a signature performance in the young captain’s burgeoning career.
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Rising star with string of milestones
Sooryavanshi’s recent feats in South Africa build on an already remarkable youth CV. Earlier in 2025, he was among the leading run-scorers in the U-19 Asia Cup, amassing 262 runs at a strike rate north of 180, including a monumental 171 against the United Arab Emirates, a performance that helped India thump the opposition by 234 runs.
His batting pedigree stretches back even further. The Bihar-born teenager made headlines in age-group cricket with some extraordinary accomplishments: he scored a blistering 36-ball century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, becoming the youngest List-A centurion in history at just 14 years and 272 days, and also claimed the fastest hundred record in Under-19 ODIs for India with a 52-ball century against England U-19 in 2025.
Perfect timing ahead of U-19 World Cup
India’s tour of South Africa provides a valuable rehearsal ahead of the U-19 World Cup beginning January 15, 2026, in Zimbabwe, where the team is placed in Group B alongside USA, Bangladesh and New Zealand. Sooryavanshi’s form couldn’t have come at a better time, with his capacity to accelerate rapidly and dominate bowling attacks offering a potential blueprint for India’s approach in the global tournament.
His performances have also helped India establish a clear psychological edge in the series, setting the tone with aggressive batting that has lifted team morale and placed pressure squarely on opponents. In addition to his batting, his leadership marshalling resources effectively and maintaining intensity across multiple formats and conditions, adds another layer to his burgeoning reputation.
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What does it mean for India’s youth prospects?
Sooryavanshi’s twin displays of power and precision make him one of the most watched young talents in world cricket. His ability to accelerate from the outset, coupled with an already impressive record against international youth oppositions, provides India with a dynamic edge in middle and late overs. As the U-19 World Cup approaches, his form will be a central pillar in India’s batting strategy.
More than just numbers, his innings reflect a rare maturity: the choice of shots, aggressive over the leg side, crisp drives through covers, and fearless sweeps speak to a temperament and timing that belie his age. For opponents, preparing plans against Sooryavanshi will be a priority. For India, harnessing his firepower could be a game-changer.
With the U-19 World Cup on the horizon and a track record of breaking records, the young left-hander appears poised for even bigger stages ahead.
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