India emerged victorious in a thrilling Under-19 World Cup final, defeating England by 100 runs to claim their record sixth title. The final, played at Harare Sports Club, showcased a spectacular display of batting and bowling from the young Indian side.
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, India posted a mammoth total of 411 for 9 in 50 overs. The innings was powered by a sensational 175 off 80 balls by Vibhau Suryavanshi, who smashed 15 sixes and 15 fours, leaving the England bowlers struggling.
Captain Ayush Mahatre contributed a solid 53, while Abhi Gyan Kundu added 40 and Vedant Trivedi 32. England’s bowlers found some success, with James Minto claiming 3 wickets, Alex Green and Sebastian Morgan 2 each, and Manny Lumsden 1.
Chasing a daunting target of 412, England managed 311 all out in 40.2 overs. Caleb Falconer top-scored with 115, supported by Ben Dawkins (66) and Ben Mays (45), but it was not enough to trouble the dominant Indian bowling attack. RS Ambrish led the wickets tally with 3, while Kanshik Chauhan and Deepesh Devendra took 2 each, and Ayush Mahatre and Khilan Patel claimed 1 wicket apiece.
With this win, India continues to assert its dominance in youth cricket, securing their sixth Under-19 World Cup title. England, aiming for their first Youth World Cup triumph since 1998, will have to wait for another opportunity.
Pakistan’s journey in the Under-19 WC
Pakistan’s journey in the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026 came to an end after a 58-run defeat to India in their Super Sixes match.
Chasing a challenging target of 253, Pakistan were bowled out for 194 in 46.2 overs, despite promising starts from openers Sameer Minhas and wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Zahoor. Henil Patel broke the 23-run opening stand by dismissing Minhas for 9 off 11 balls.
Zahoor and Usman Khan then stitched together a 50-run partnership, keeping Pakistan in contention. However, Kanishk Chouhan dismissed Zahoor for 42 off 49 balls, ending the 65-run second-wicket stand and leaving Pakistan at 88-2 in 17 overs.
The innings never gained momentum, and Pakistan reached 100 runs in the 21st over, still needing 151 from 12.3 overs. Captain Farhan Yousaf tried to steady the chase alongside Usman Khan, but the required scoring rate proved too steep.
Usman notched his fourth Youth ODI fifty and added 63 runs for the third wicket with Farhan. The partnership was broken when RS Ambrish dismissed Farhan for 38 off 39 balls, effectively sealing India’s 58-run victory and Pakistan’s exit from the tournament.
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