Vaibhav Sooryavanshi highlights growing skill set after U19 World Cup Final heroics, recalls pre-Asia Cup preparation

In the U19 World Cup final against England, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smacked 175 runs off 80 balls, also hitting 15 fours and 15 sixes.

Published on: Feb 6, 2026, 21:36:50 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi perfectly summed up his performance in the post-match ceremony of the U19 World Cup final on Friday. The 14-year-old soaked in glory as he received the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards, and remarked, "I know I can perform in big games and under pressure, so I stayed confident and kept believing."

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi spoke about his pre-U19 World Cup preparation.

The U19 World Cup showed that Sooryavanshi is a big-game player, as he proved in the semifinals as well. In a huge run chase of 311 runs vs Afghanistan, he blazed to a 33-ball 68 knock, laced with nine fours and four sixes in his 90-run stand with Aaron George.

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

Then, in the final against England, he smashed the second-fastest ton in U19 World Cup history, getting his hundred off only 55 balls. He ended up smacking 175 runs off 80 balls, also hitting 15 fours and 15 sixes.

"Feeling really good. All the preparation, the effort from the support staff, all the games we played - the Asia Cup and the series leading up to this - everything has brought us to this moment. I want to dedicate this award to the entire support staff. The main goal was not to take too much pressure. We focused on believing in ourselves and trusting the process we’ve been following since the beginning of the tournament," he said.

"The preparation started from the Asia Cup and even before that. For the last eight to nine months, the support staff and the team have been working together. That preparation has played a huge role in getting us to where we are today. I’m very confident in the skill set I’ve developed", he added.

Suryavanshi's effort saw India post 411/9 in 50 overs. Meanwhile, skipper Ayush Mhatre got a half-century, registering 53 off 51 balls. Chasing 412 runs, England were bowled out for 311 in 40.2 overs, despite a late valiant effort by Caleb Falconer. Falconer was the last wicket to fall, and kept going despite losing partners quickly. Falconer got 115 runs off 67 balls, hitting nine fours and seven 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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