Harare, February 6: India has set a daunting target of 412 runs for England in the U-19 World Cup 2026, thanks to a stellar performance by Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The Indian team aims to secure its sixth World Cup title, while England is looking to win the trophy for the second time.
On Friday at Harare Sports Club, Indian captain Ayush Mhatre won the toss and opted to bat first. India lost their first wicket at a score of 20, with Aaron George dismissed for 9 runs. From there, Suryavanshi partnered with Mhatre to add 142 runs for the second wicket in just 90 balls, taking the team to a total of 162.
Mhatre scored 53 runs off 51 balls, hitting 2 sixes and 7 fours before getting out. Suryavanshi then accelerated the innings, forming a quick partnership of 89 runs with Vedant Trivedi in just 39 balls.
Suryavanshi was eventually out for 175 runs off 80 balls, hitting 15 fours and 15 sixes. Following his dismissal, Vedant added 51 runs with Vihan Malhotra for the fourth wicket, pushing India’s score past 300.
India lost its fifth wicket at 308 runs. Abhijnaan Kundu then contributed to a partnership of 51 runs with R.S. Ambreesh. Kundu scored 40 runs off 31 balls, including 1 six and 6 fours, while Ambreesh added 18 runs. In the final overs, Kanishk Chauhan remained unbeaten with 37 runs off 20 balls, including 1 six and 3 fours, bringing India’s total to 411/9.
From the English side, James Minto was the standout bowler, claiming 3 wickets, while Sebastian Morgan and Alex Green took 2 wickets each. Manny Lamsden also chipped in with 1 wicket.
England’s playing XI included: Ben Dawkins, Joseph Moores, Ben Mease, Thomas Rev (wicketkeeper/captain), Caleb Faulkner, Ralphie Albert, Farhan Ahmed, Sebastian Morgan, James Minto, Manny Lamsden, and Alex Green.
India’s playing XI consisted of: Aaron George, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre (captain), Vihan Malhotra, Vedant Trivedi, Abhijnaan Kundu (wicketkeeper), R.S. Ambreesh, Kanishk Chauhan, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, and Dipesh Devendran.
