Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old cricketing prodigy, continued his impressive run in England, contributing significantly to India U19's four-wicket victory over England U19 in the third Youth ODI at Northampton. This win gives India a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Suryavanshi's explosive batting at the top of the order set the stage for India's successful chase of a challenging target.
In a match reduced to 40 overs, England U19 posted a total of 268/6. In response, India U19, led by Suryavanshi's fiery knock, reached the target with more than five overs to spare. The young right-hander blazed his way to 86 runs off just 31 balls, which included six fours and nine sixes. This incredible innings provided the impetus needed for the Indian chase.
Suryavanshi's half-century came in a mere 20 balls, making it the second-fastest fifty by an Indian in U19 ODIs. Rishabh Pant holds the record for the fastest fifty, having reached the milestone in 18 balls against Nepal in 2016. During his innings, Suryavanshi hit nine sixes, setting a new record for the most sixes by an Indian batter in an U19 ODI, surpassing the previous record of eight sixes held by Mandeep Singh.
Opening the innings with captain Abhigyan Kundu, Suryavanshi provided a sensational start, accelerating the scoring rate and putting the English bowlers under immense pressure. Five of his nine sixes came in a breathtaking ten-ball sequence. He was eventually dismissed attempting a pull shot, caught by Joseph Moores off Alexander Wade.
Suryavanshi has been in tremendous form throughout the series, with scores of 48 and 45 in the first two ODIs. His current form makes him the leading run-scorer for the Indian side in this series.
The contributions of Kanishk Chouhan and RS Ambrish in the lower order were also vital in securing the win for India U19. They forged a 75-run partnership for the seventh wicket, guiding the team to victory. Chouhan also starred with the ball, taking three wickets for 30 runs. RS Ambrish sealed the victory with a six, finishing on 31 not out. Vihaan Malhotra also contributed a useful 46.
Earlier in the series, India U19 won the first match by six wickets at Hove on June 27. However, England U19 bounced back to win the second match by one wicket in a closely contested game on June 30, leveling the series 1-1. In the second match, Suryavanshi scored 45 runs.
The remaining matches of the series are scheduled to be held in Worcester on July 5 and July 7. Following the ODI series, the two teams will also play two Youth Test matches in Beckenham and Chelmsford.