Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again showcased his prodigious talent as he starred for the India Under-19 team during the second Youth ODI against South Africa on Monday, January 5, at Willowmoore Park in Benoni. Opening the batting in a challenging chase of 246, the young left-hander produced a breathtaking knock that not only gave India a flying start but also left South African commentators stunned by his power and composure.
Sooryavanshi smashed 68 runs off just 24 balls, an innings highlighted by one boundary and an astonishing 10 sixes. From the very first over, the India U19 captain set the tone, taking on the South African bowlers with fearless intent. His ability to clear the ropes with ease at such a young age turned the contest decisively in India’s favour early in the chase.
One moment that quickly went viral came in the opening over itself, when Sooryavanshi hooked South Africa U19 pacer JJ Basson for a massive six. The shot drew an immediate reaction from the on-air commentators, who struggled to contain their amazement.
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One commentator described it as the biggest six he had witnessed at Willowmoore Park, calling the stroke “a hook shot of the highest calibre,” even when compared to international cricketers who have played at the venue.
South African commentator’s reaction on a monster six by Vaibhav Suryavanshi. 😂 pic.twitter.com/Pe5XxN8e9w
— Gangadhar (@90_andypycroft) January 5, 2026
Leading from the front, Sooryavanshi reached his half-century in just 19 deliveries, underlining the dominance of his approach. He added a rapid 67-run partnership for the first wicket with Aaron George, who contributed 20 off 19 balls. The stand came off only 37 balls and effectively knocked the momentum out of South Africa’s bowling attack.
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After George fell on the first ball of the seventh over, Sooryavanshi continued his assault alongside Vedant Trivedi. The pair added 28 runs in just 12 balls, with Vaibhav scoring 23 of those runs from only six deliveries, while Trivedi chipped in with four. Sooryavanshi’s explosive innings eventually ended on the first ball of the ninth over, when he was caught by Daniel Bosman off Michael Kruiskamp.
Despite his dismissal, the damage had already been done. India cruised to an eight-wicket victory via the DLS method, securing an unassailable 2–0 lead in the series and further highlighting Sooryavanshi as one of the brightest young talents in Indian cricket.
