The record-holder five-time champions India U19 have got a powerful start in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 Final against one-time winners England U19, where the Indian opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed his first century of the tournament by reaching the three-figure mark in just 55 balls. 

India U19 chose to bat first in the Final of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 against England U19 at Harare on Friday (February 6). Although the opener Aaron George (9), the centurion in the Semi-final, was dismissed cheaply after a 20-run opening partnership with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vaibhav and captain Ayush Mhatre set up a solid firing partnership. They had a 142-run partnership for the second wicket before the Indian skipper was dismissed for 53 off 51 balls. 

Watch: Ayush Mhatre reaches 50 with massive six during IND vs ENG U19 World Cup 2026 final

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi completed century in 55 balls, 2nd fastest in U19 Cricket World Cup history

In the Final, Vaibhav completed his fourth half-century in the tournament in 32 balls, where he smashed six fours and three sixes. After completing his fifty, Vaibhav became more furious with the bat, as there was no clue from the English bowlers to stop his storm. 

In just 55 balls, Vaibhav completed his century with the help of eight fours and eight sixes. It was the second fastest century in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup history, just behind Australian Will Malajczuk's 51-ball hundred against Japan U19 earlier in the group stage of this tournament. Meanwhile, Vaibhav recorded the fifth fastest century in Youth ODI history. 

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi completed 150 runs in 71 balls

While Vaibhav took only 23 balls to complete his second 50 runs, he reached the 150-run mark in just 71 balls, taking only 16 balls for his next 50 runs. The Indian opener has already recorded the highest individual score in a Final of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup, breaking the previous record of 111 not out by Unmukt Chand for India U19 against Australia U19 in the 2012 Final. To complete 150 runs, Vaibhav hit 12 fours and 13 sixes.