India U19 captain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting on Wednesday, January 7, smashing a scintillating 127 off just 74 balls against South Africa U19 in the third and final Youth ODI of the series in Benoni. After South Africa skipper Muhammed Bulbulia won the toss and opted to bowl, Sooryavanshi took full advantage of the batting-friendly conditions and completely dismantled the home side’s bowling attack with a fearless approach at the top.
The left-hander was in destructive form from the outset, racing to his half-century in just 24 balls, courtesy of five boundaries and four towering sixes. He continued his onslaught to bring up his century in only 63 deliveries, underlining his growing reputation as one of India’s most exciting young batting prospects.
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Before falling on the fourth ball of the 26th over, Sooryavanshi had struck nine fours and ten sixes, leaving the South African bowlers searching for answers. A major highlight of his innings was a massive 227-run opening partnership with Aaron George, who was cruising in the 90s at the time of Sooryavanshi’s dismissal.
🚨 HUNDRED FOR VAIBHAV SURYAVANSHI 🚨
– Smashed 100* runs off 63balls vs SA U19.
– With 8 sixes and 6 fours. pic.twitter.com/al1eebWiVu— Sports Culture (@SportsCulture24) January 7, 2026
Everyone tuned in for that 🇮🇳💯 pic.twitter.com/Eqi4KUWkaW
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) January 7, 2026
The stand laid a rock-solid foundation for India and effectively knocked South Africa out of contention early in the contest. Sooryavanshi’s heroics came on the back of another explosive performance in the second Youth ODI on January 5, where he blazed 68 off just 24 balls, smashing ten sixes to power India to an emphatic eight-wicket victory via the DLS method. That knock helped India U19 secure an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series.
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With back-to-back match-winning performances, Sooryavanshi has firmly stamped his authority ahead of the ICC U19 World Cup 2026, where five-time champions India are placed in Group B alongside New Zealand, USA, and Bangladesh. Given his current form, the young captain looks well on track for bigger honours in the near future.
India’s squad for U19 WC 2026: Ayush Mhatre (C), Vihaan Malhotra (VC), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Aaron George, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (WK), Harvansh Singh (WK), R.S. Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Mohamed Enaan, Henil Patel, D. Deepesh, Kishan Kumar Singh, Udhav Mohan
