Harare witnessed cricketing magic on Friday as India’s U19 team scripted history in the 2026 World Cup final. Batting first against England, they amassed 411/9, pioneering the first 400-plus score in any U19 World Cup playoff stage. This feat cements India’s legacy as record-breakers in junior cricket.
The innings ranks as India’s second-best in the tournament’s annals, eclipsing their own 349/6 from 2016 against Namibia, where a young Rishabh Pant fired 111. India’s trio of 400+ hauls now includes demolitions of Scotland (425/3 in 2024) and Uganda (405/5 in 2022).
Leading the charge was Vaibhav Suryavanshi, whose 175 off 80 deliveries – boasting 15 fours and 15 sixes – left the crowd roaring. He stitched vital stands: 142 with skipper Ayush Mhatre (53 off 51) and 89 with Vedant Trivedi. Abhijnan Kundu chipped in with 40, and finisher Kanisk Chauhan’s fiery 37* off 20 sealed the historic total.
England fought back with James Minto’s 3/??, supported by 2-wicket hauls from Sebastian Morgan and Alex Green, plus Manny Lumsden’s scalp. Fresh off chasing 311 against Afghanistan in the semis, India’s batsmen have thrown down the gauntlet. Will England rise to the occasion? The final promises edge-of-the-seat action as these young stars chase glory.
