Fourteen-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi announced himself on the biggest stage with a breathtaking knock for India in the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026 semifinal against Afghanistan at the Harare Sports Club. Chasing a daunting target of 311, the young left-hander set the tone with a fearless approach at the top of the order, giving India the perfect start in a must-win contest.
Opening the innings for the Ayush Mhatre-led side, Suryavanshi smashed 68 off just 33 deliveries, peppering the boundary with nine fours and four sixes. His third half-century of the tournament came in only 24 balls, underlining both his timing and composure under pressure. In the process, he stitched together a rapid 90-run opening stand in just 9.3 overs with Aaron George, who chipped in with a steady 21 off 24 balls.
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The partnership ensured India stayed comfortably above the required run rate in a high-stakes semifinal chase. The Bihar youngster, who hails from Samastipur, came agonisingly close to creating history. At 14 years and 314 days old, a century would have seen him break Babar Azam’s long-standing record as the youngest centurion in Under-19 World Cup history.
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Just another chapter in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s book of exquisite strokeplay as he smashed a helicopter shot for SIX! 💥#ICCMensU19WC | Semi-Final 2 | #INDvAFG 👉 LIVE NOW ➡️ https://t.co/BH7PyKi0Hq pic.twitter.com/fDuysl86ZP
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 4, 2026
Babar was 15 years and 92 days old when he struck 129 for Pakistan against West Indies in the 2010 edition. While Suryavanshi fell short of the milestone, his innings was a powerful statement of intent and a glimpse into India’s next generation of batting talent.
Suryavanshi’s form in the tournament has been nothing short of sensational. Prior to the semifinal, he had already registered brisk half-centuries against Bangladesh in the group stage and Zimbabwe in the Super Six round, establishing himself as one of India’s most reliable run-getters at the top.
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Earlier in the match, centuries from Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai powered Afghanistan Under-19 to a formidable 310/4. However, Suryavanshi’s explosive start ensured India began their chase on the front foot, keeping hopes alive of another appearance in the Under-19 World Cup final.
