India U-19 kickstarted their Youth ODI series against England U-19 with a statement victory, chasing down a modest target of 175 with remarkable ease in the first game at Hove on Friday. At the heart of the win was the exceptional batting display from teenager Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who slammed a whirlwind 48 off just 19 balls, showcasing the same fearless intent that made waves during his recent IPL stint.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi sizzles in explosive powerplay burst
Chasing 175, India U-19’s intent was clear from the outset. Opening the innings alongside skipper Ayush Mhatre, Suryavanshi launched a ferocious assault on the England bowlers, putting them under immense pressure within the first few overs. Jack Home and James Minto bore the brunt of his aggression as Suryavanshi dispatched five sixes and three fours, scoring at a strike rate of over 250.
Despite falling short of a deserved half-century, with a mistimed slog-sweep off Ralphie Albert bringing an end to his innings on 48, the damage was already done. His knock had virtually ended England’s hopes of defending their total.
Here’s the video:
VAIBHAV SURYAVANSHI MADNESS..!! 🥶🔥
– Smashed 48 runs in just 19 balls.
– With 3 fours and 5 sixes. pic.twitter.com/HOKgnYGd4m— Sports Culture (@SportsCulture24) June 27, 2025
Also READ: ‘Can you survive Test cricket?’: Yuvraj Singh’s father gives harsh reality check to IPL stars Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre
England’s batting falters after Rocky Flintoff’s steady fifty
Earlier in the day, England U-19 posted a total of 174, thanks to solid contributions from Rocky Flintoff (56) and Isaac Mohammed (42). The pair was instrumental in steadying the ship after early blows, but the Indian bowling unit, led by Kanishk Chouhan’s tight spell of 3/20, ensured England couldn’t build lasting partnerships.
India’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout, with Henil Patel, RS Ambrish, and Mohamed Enaan chipping in with two wickets each. The home side eventually folded in 42.2 overs, failing to play out their full quota of 50 overs.
Abhimanyu Kundu sees it home as India cruise with 26 overs to spare
After Suryavanshi’s early fireworks, the chase was comfortably steered by wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu, who stayed unbeaten on 45. With a staggering 156 deliveries left unused, India U-19 sealed the six-wicket win in emphatic fashion. The two sides will now meet again on June 30 for the second Youth ODI, with England looking to bounce back and level the series.
Also READ: IPL 2025: Best XI of uncapped players ft. Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Digvesh Rathi
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