Watch: Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashes helicopter six in U19 World Cup 2026 semi-final against Afghanistan

India U-19 star batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi lit up the U19 World Cup 2026 semi-final with a sensational helicopter six. The high-pressure clash against Afghanistan is being played at Harare on Wednesday, February 4. Chasing a massive target, India needed fearless intent early. Vaibhav delivered exactly that.

The moment came on the first ball of the 10th over of India’s chase. Nooristani Omarzai bowled a near-yorker, but Vaibhav cleared his front leg and whipped it for a maximum. The shot resembled MS Dhoni’s trademark helicopter hit. The timing and wrist work left everyone stunned.

Vaibhav’s solid foundation and high backlift made him unleash a tremendous amount of power. The ball went over the leg-side boundary with ease. The crowd went into a frenzy as the young man showed confidence beyond his age. It was one of the moments that would go down as one of the highlights of the tournament.

Vaibhav’s Blazing Knock Sets Up the Chase

Earlier, Afghanistan had posted an imposing 310/4 after batting first. Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai both scored centuries to give their team a strong total. India needed a fast and fearless start in response. Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Aaron George provided that with a 90-run opening stand in just 9.3 overs.

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Vaibhav was the aggressor, smashing 68 off just 33 balls at a strike rate of over 200. He reached his fifty in only 24 deliveries, hitting nine fours and four sixes. While he punished Omarzai with the helicopter six, the bowler had the final say. Vaibhav was dismissed on the third ball of the 10th over, top-edging a pull shot to mid-wicket.

Vaibhav has made a huge impact once again despite getting out. He has now scored 264 runs in six matches in the tournament, averaging 44 with three half-centuries. His fearless batting at the top has given India a huge advantage in big matches.