HARARE, ZIMBABWE – India has once again asserted its dominance in youth cricket, defeating England by 100 runs in a high-scoring final at the Harare Sports Club on February 6, 2026. This victory marks India’s sixth ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup title, further solidifying their legacy as the most successful nation in the tournament’s history.
The “Suryavanshi Storm”
The highlight of the match was a historic, record-breaking performance by 14-year-old opening sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi. After Captain Ayush Mhatre won the toss and elected to bat, Suryavanshi unleashed an unprecedented onslaught, smashing 175 runs off just 80 balls.
His innings included:
- 15 Fours and 15 Sixes.
- A 55-ball century (the second-fastest in U19 World Cup history).
- The highest individual score ever recorded in an ICC global final (junior or senior level).
Suryavanshi’s masterclass, supported by a steady 53 from Captain Ayush Mhatre, propelled India to a mammoth total of 411/9 in their 50 overs—a record for any U19 World Cup final.
England’s Brave Chase
Chasing 412, England showed immense spirit. Caleb Falconer led the charge with a valiant 115 off 67 balls, keeping the “Young Lions” in the hunt during the middle overs. However, the scoreboard pressure and a clinical Indian bowling attack proved too much.
India’s bowlers struck at crucial intervals to derail the chase:
- R.S. Ambrish: 3 wickets
- Deepesh Devendran: 2 wickets
- Kanishk Chouhan: 2 wickets
England was eventually bowled out for 311 in 40.2 overs, handing India a historic 100-run victory.
Tournament Summary & Awards
India remained undefeated throughout the tournament, overcoming rivals like Pakistan and Afghanistan on their way to the summit.
| Award | Winner | Achievement |
| Player of the Match | Vaibhav Suryavanshi | 175 (80) |
| Player of the Tournament | Vaibhav Suryavanshi | Record-breaking run tally |
| Winning Captain | Ayush Mhatre | Led India to 6th title |
A Growing Legacy
With this win, India adds the 2026 trophy to their previous titles won in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2022. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu were among the first to congratulate the team, praising the “limitless talent and discipline” of the young squad.+1
The BCCI has announced a cash prize of ₹7.5 Crore for the team and support staff to celebrate this monumental achievement.