New Delhi: India is Under-19 cricket champions, again. Riding on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s scintillating 175 runs, the Ayush Mhatre-led side clinched the U-19 Cricket World Cup title for a record sixth time, beating England by 100 runs in the final match at Harare on Friday.
The previous wins came under the leadership of Mohammed Kaif (2000), Virat Kohli (2008), Unmukt Chand (2012), Prithvi Shaw (2018), and Yash Dhull (2022).
India’s U-19 record of winning six titles is matched only by the Australian men’s senior cricket team, which has six One Day International (ODI) World Cup titles in their trophy cabinet.
The team also set a world record as it is the biggest margin of victory in terms of runs in an U-19 World Cup final. Notably, it remained unbeaten throughout the campaign.
“The boys have played very well. We set the goals; they executed very well and they played natural game. So I am really happy,” Mhatre said in a post match conference.
“We have no words for him (Sooryavanshi) for the innings he played. We know he is a fabulous batsman. And he has showed in the match, what he can do. We are happy that we are carrying forward the legacy… Rohit Sharma has also won the Word Cup, Harmanpreet (Kaur) also. Now, we (have done too).”
𝗖.𝗛.𝗔.𝗠.𝗣.𝗜.𝗢.𝗡.𝗦 🏆
Congratulations to India U19 on winning the ICC Men's U19 World Cup 2026 👏👏
Their historic 6⃣th title 🫡
Take. A. Bow 🙇
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/hisult7mtv #U19WorldCup pic.twitter.com/5a0Pf4wpTw
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 6, 2026
Batting first, India set up a total of 411 runs in 50 overs. Apart from Sooryavanshi, skipper Mhatre smashed a half century and wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu added 40 crucial runs. And, towards the end, Kanishk Chouhan’s fiery 37 run off 20 balls, with 3 fours and 1 six, pushed India past the 400-run mark.
Though opener Ben Dawkins (66) and middle-order batter Ben Mayes (45) built a partnership that kept England in contention, regular wickets slowed the chase.
Batting all-rounder Caleb Falconer was the standout performer for England, as he scored a century off 67 balls. Falconer held one end, even as wickets continued to fall at the other. His innings included nine fours and seven sixes. He was eventually dismissed for 115 in the 40th over. Falconer’s wicket drew curtains on England’s chase.
For India, medium pacer R.S. Ambrish took three wickets while fellow pacer Deepesh Devendran and spinner Kanishk Chouhan picked two wickets each. The trio were instrumental in bowling out England at 311.
Sooryavanshi was awarded not only player of the match but also player of the series award as well for his batting exploits. The 14-year-old ended second in the run list with 439, just behind England’s Ben Mayes who ended with 444 in this tournament.
“I think it is always going to be tough when a player like that gets going. We saw what he can do before. And we were scratching our heads there. It was definitely tough and on a good surface, when he got going; we struggled…,” England captain Thomas Rew said.
Later, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar congratulated the team on their win, and so did Virat Kohli. “Champions! So proud of this young group and the fearless cricket they played. Well done to the entire team, including coaches and support staff. Enjoy the moment!” Sachin posted on X. “When you have a Sooryavanshi, a timeless blockbuster is expected! Well done, Vaibhav!”
India’s domination, Kohli said, in the age group cricket and beyond continues.
“T20 World Cup champions. Women’s World Cup champions. U19 World Cup champions. World Cup runners-up. Indian cricket is in a very good place,” celebrated cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle wrote.
(Edited by Tony Rai)