India’s 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi lit up the County Ground in Hove with a breathtaking 48 off just 19 balls, as the India Under-19 team crushed England U-19 by six wickets in the opening match of the five-match Youth ODI series. Chasing a modest target of 175, India romped home in just 24 overs, with 156 balls to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
🔥 Suryavanshi’s Fireworks Set the Tone
Opening the innings alongside captain Ayush Mhatre, Suryavanshi launched a brutal assault on the English bowlers:
- Smashed 5 sixes and 3 fours in his 19-ball blitz
- Scored 21 runs in a single over off pacer Jack Home
- Shared a 71-run stand in 7.3 overs with Mhatre before falling to spinner Ralphie Albert
The left-hander, who made headlines earlier this year as the youngest centurion in men’s T20 cricket during the IPL, showcased his fearless strokeplay and maturity beyond his years.
🏏 England’s Batting Falters Despite Flintoff’s Fifty
Earlier, England U-19 opted to bat but were bundled out for 174 in 42.2 overs. Key highlights:
- Rocky Flintoff, son of Andrew Flintoff, top-scored with a gritty 56 off 90 balls
- Isaac Mohammed, a debutant and relative of Moeen Ali, impressed with a quickfire 42 off 28 balls, including 4 sixes
- Indian spinners Mohamed Enaan and Kanishk Chouhan shared 5 wickets, exploiting the overcast conditions and green-tinged pitch
🧤 Kundu Anchors the Chase
After Suryavanshi’s dismissal, wicketkeeper Abhigyan Kundu ensured there were no hiccups, finishing unbeaten on 45, guiding India to 178/4 and sealing a dominant win.
📅 What’s Next
India U-19’s emphatic win follows their 231-run victory over a Young Lions Invitational XI earlier in the week. The second Youth ODI is scheduled for June 30, with England looking to bounce back and level the series.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Youth ODI series.
