Indian cricket witnessed the emergence of a new prodigy as 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi struck a record-breaking century to power India Under-19 to a 55-run win over England Under-19 and seal the five-match Youth ODI series 3–1.
Suryavanshi’s breathtaking 143 off 78 balls — including the fastest-ever Youth ODI century from just 52 deliveries — rewrote the history books, making him the youngest player to score a hundred in Youth ODIs. His knock featured 13 boundaries and 10 sixes in a dazzling display of power-hitting, timing, and elegance.
Batting first at New Road, India posted a mammoth 363 for 9. Suryavanshi shared a spectacular 219-run second-wicket partnership in 24 overs with Vihaan Malhotra, who crafted a composed 129 off 121 balls. At 233 for 1 after 27 overs, India looked set for a total beyond 400, but a spirited English fightback led by Jack Home (4 for 63) and Sebastian Morgan (3 for 54) pulled the innings back in the final overs.
Despite the late collapse, India had already laid down a formidable target. England’s chase started brightly with an opening stand of 104 between Joe Moores (52) and Ben Dawkins (67). But their momentum was derailed when Naman Pushpak struck twice in two balls to remove both openers.
Rocky Flintoff kept the chase alive with a gritty 107 from 88 balls, reaching his century with little support from the middle and lower order. England’s hopes took a hit with three crucial run-outs — including a freak dismissal of captain Thomas Rew, who was run out backing up after a straight drive from Flintoff deflected off the bowler.
India’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Pushpak (3 for 63), kept the pressure on, and despite Flintoff’s resistance, England were bowled out for 308 in 45.2 overs.
The win secured the Youth ODI series for India with one match remaining, to be played on Monday at the same venue. The match will be remembered for Suryavanshi’s historic feat — a landmark performance that signals the arrival of a potential future star in Indian cricket.