Michael Vaughan leads a series of stunned reactions as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi lights up U19 World Cup final vs England

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is the highest run-scorer in the 2026 U19 World Cup, with 439 runs in 7 matches, including 3 fifties and a ton.

Updated on: Feb 6, 2026, 18:18:58 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi slammed the second-fastest hundred in the history of the U19 World Cup, reaching the milestone off only 55 balls against England in the final. The India opener eventually departed in the 26th over after smashing 175 runs off 80 balls, laced with 15 fours and 15 sixes. Sooryavanshi's knock sent fans and experts into a state of meltdown, with England legend Michael Vaughan leading the reactions.

India U19 opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi celebrates his century. (X)

Taking to X, Vaughan wrote, “Vaibhav Suryavanshi … this really is very very special .. #iccu19worldcup”

Also Read: Smriti Mandhana leads RCB to second WPL title in successful chase

Sooryavanshi's hundred is also now the fastest-ever in an ICC Final in ODI cricket. Here are the other reactions:

Sooryavanshi lost his wicket to Manny Lumsden in the 26th over. He tried to play the lap shot, but ended up lobbing it behind for Thomas Rew to take a simple catch.

Sooryavanshi is the highest run-scorer in the tournament this year, with 439 runs in 7 matches, including 3 fifties and a ton. He also registered a strike rate of 169.49.

The young batter was also in good form in the semifinals. In a huge run chase of 311 runs vs Afghanistan, he raced to a 33-ball 68, packed with nine fours and four sixes in his 90-run stand with Aaron George.

Still only 14 years old, big knocks are nothing new for Sooryavanshi. Last year in the Asia Cup Rising Stars, he blazed to 144 runs off only 42 balls. In December last year, he got a 36-ball century against Arunachal Pradesh during the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, becoming the youngest player in the world to get a ton in List A cricket at the age of 14 years and 272 days. In the same fixture, he broke AB de Villiers' record for the fastest 150 in List A cricket in only 59 balls. He eventually smacked 190 off 84 balls, packed with 16 fours and 15 sixes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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