India claimed a record sixth U19 World Cup title with a dominant 100-run victory over England in Harare on Friday, powered by Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s explosive 175.
India defeated England by 100 runs in the U19 World Cup final at Harare Sports Club on Friday, February 6, 2026. Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed 175 off 80 balls to propel India to 411 for nine. England managed 311 all out in 40.2 overs despite Caleb Falconer’s 115. The win marked India’s sixth title in the tournament.
The U19 World Cup final victory underscores cricket’s dominance in South Asia. India U19 champions inspire millions of young players in the region, where the sport drives national pride and talent pipelines for senior teams. This triumph boosts morale amid ongoing bilateral series and upcoming global events.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi 175 Steals Show In U19 World Cup Final
Vaibhav Suryavanshi delivered a masterclass in the U19 World Cup final. The 14-year-old left-hander scored 175 from 80 deliveries, including 15 fours and 15 sixes. His innings featured a 55-ball century, the fastest by an Indian in U19 World Cup history.
India won the toss and elected to bat. Openers Aaron George and Suryavanshi started steadily. George fell for nine in the fourth over, caught by Thomas Rew off Sebastian Morgan. Suryavanshi then accelerated with captain Ayush Mhatre.
Mhatre contributed 53 from 51 balls, with seven fours and two sixes. Their 142-run partnership laid the foundation. Mhatre departed in the 19th over, bowled by James Minto. Suryavanshi continued his assault, reaching 50 off 32 balls, 100 off 55, and 150 off 71.
Vedant Trivedi added 32 from 36 balls. Vihaan Malhotra scored 30 from 36. Abhigyan Kundu made 40 from 31, with six fours and one six. RS Ambrish got 18 from 24. Kanishk Chouhan smashed 37 from 20, including three fours and one six. Khilan Patel scored three, Henil Patel five. Deepesh Devendran was not out on zero.
England’s bowlers struggled. James Minto took three for 63 in eight overs. Sebastian Morgan and Alex Green claimed two each, for 74 and 49. Manny Lumsden got one for 81. Farhan Ahmed and Ralphie Albert went wicketless.
India posted 411 for nine, the highest total in U19 World Cup knockout history.
England U19 Vs India: Chase Falls Short Despite Falconer Heroics
England faced a daunting 412-run target in the U19 World Cup final. Openers Ben Dawkins and Joseph Moores began positively. Moores scored 17 from 16, with four fours, before RS Ambrish bowled him in the fifth over.
Ben Mayes joined Dawkins and attacked. Mayes made 45 from 28, with seven fours and two sixes. Their 74-run stand ended when Khilan Patel caught Mayes off his own bowling in the 13th over.
Captain Thomas Rew scored 31 from 18, with four fours and one six. He fell to Kanishk Chouhan in the 18th over, caught by Mhatre. Dawkins reached 66 from 56, with seven fours and two sixes, before Ayush Mhatre dismissed him in the 21st over.
England collapsed from 142 for three to 177 for seven. Ralphie Albert was run out for zero. Farhan Ahmed scored one, caught by Kundu off Devendran. Sebastian Morgan fell for zero, caught and bowled by Devendran.
Caleb Falconer fought back with 115 from 67 balls, including nine fours and seven sixes. He reached 50 off 26 and 100 off 63. James Minto supported with 28 from 41. Their 92-run partnership revived hopes.
Ambrish dismissed Minto in the 36th over. Lumsden scored three before Ambrish got him in the 38th. Falconer fell last to Chouhan in the 41st over, caught by Khilan Patel.
England finished at 311 all out. Ambrish took three for 56. Chouhan and Devendran claimed two each, for 63 and 64. Khilan Patel, Mhatre, and Henil Patel took one or none.
Background: Suryavanshi’s Rise To India U19 Champions
Vaibhav Suryavanshi emerged as a prodigy. He became the youngest to score an IPL century in 2025, aged 13, for Rajasthan Royals. His 35-ball ton included 11 sixes and seven fours.
Suryavanshi debuted in U19 ODIs with a 58-ball century against Australia in 2024. In the 2026 tournament, he scored 439 runs in seven innings at an average of 62.71 and strike rate of 169.49.
India entered the U19 World Cup final unbeaten. They defeated Bangladesh, Ireland, Nepal in the group, then New Zealand in the Super Six, Pakistan in the semi-final. England beat Scotland, Namibia, South Africa in group, West Indies in Super Six, Australia in semi.
The win avenged India’s loss to Australia in the 2024 final.
What’s Next After U19 World Cup Final
India U19 champions return home as heroes. Several players, including Suryavanshi, may fast-track to senior squads. The IPL auction in March 2026 could see bids.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup starts on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in India and Sri Lanka. Senior teams prepare amid the U19 boost.
England rebuilds for future cycles. Falconer and Dawkins eye county contracts.
The U19 World Cup final sets the stage for emerging South Asian talent.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 7th, 2026
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