India lift Under-19 World Cup with dominant 100-run win over England

HARARE: India powered their way to the ICC Under-19 World Cup title with a commanding 100-run victory over England in the final at Harare, capping a tournament marked by aggressive batting and disciplined bowling.

After winning the toss, India piled up a massive 411 for 9 in their 50 overs, driven by a breathtaking century from Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The right-hander smashed 175 off just 80 balls, hammering 15 sixes and 15 fours in one of the most destructive innings in Under-19 World Cup final history.

Captain Ayush Mhatre played a steady supporting role with 53, while Abhigyan Kundu (40), Vedant Trivedi (32), Vihaan Malhotra (30) and Akanishk Chauhan (29 not out) chipped in to keep the scoreboard ticking. Dipesh Devindran remained unbeaten without scoring at the end.

England’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with James Minto picking up three wickets. Alex Green and Sebastian Morgan claimed two apiece, while Manny Lumsden took one.

Chasing a daunting target, England were bowled out for 311 in 40.2 overs despite a fighting century from Caleb Falconer, who struck 115 in a lone stand of resistance. Ben Dawkins added 66 and Ben Mize made 45, but regular wickets ensured England never truly threatened the target.

India’s bowlers shared the spoils, led by RS Ambrish with three wickets. Kanshik Chauhan and Dipesh Devindran picked up two each, while Ayush Mhatre and Khelan Patel chipped in with one wicket apiece.

The emphatic win sealed India’s Under-19 World Cup triumph and underlined their dominance in age-group cricket once again.