A thrilling Youth ODI was played between India Under-19 cricket team and South Africa Under-19 cricket team at Benoni on January 5.
South Africa were bowled out for 245 runs in 49.3 overs. Using the DLS method, India were set a revised target, which they chased comfortably, winning the match by 8 wickets.
The highlight of the match was a stunning power-hitting display by 14-year-old captain Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
Explosive Start by Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Opening the batting for India, Vaibhav Suryavanshi began the chase in unbelievable style:
- Hit a six on the very first ball
- Smashed two sixes in the opening over
- Attacked the bowlers with confidence and fearless shots
Against left-arm seamer JJ Basson, he scored freely, forcing the bowler to concede 38 runs in just 3 overs.
Suryavanshi continued his assault against Bayanda Majola, hitting multiple sixes during the powerplay and putting India in complete control early in the chase.
Innings at a Glance
| Stat | Performance |
|---|---|
| Runs Scored | 68 |
| Balls Faced | 24 |
| Sixes Hit | 10 |
| Fours Hit | 1 |
| Strike Rate | 283.33 |
| India’s Score When Out | 95/1 |
Key Moments
- Reached 50 runs in just 18 balls
- Hit three consecutive sixes to complete his half-century
- Dismissed on the first ball of the 8th over
Record-Breaking Achievement
This knock created history in Youth ODIs:
- Fastest fifty by Vaibhav Suryavanshi – 18 balls
- Only two players have reached a Youth ODI fifty faster:
- Steve Stolk – 13 balls
- Rishabh Pant – 18 balls
Other Major Records Held by Suryavanshi
| Record | Number |
|---|---|
| Most sixes in a single Youth ODI innings | 14 |
| Most sixes by a player in Youth ODIs | Highest ever |
Read more: Top 10 Most Talked-About Indian Cricketers in 2025
Big Boost Ahead of U19 World Cup
With the Under-19 Cricket World Cup just days away, this innings could not have come at a better time for India.
- Shows excellent form and confidence
- Sends a strong warning to upcoming opponents
- Confirms Suryavanshi as one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket
At just 14 years of age, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has shown power, fearlessness, and maturity far beyond his years. If he continues this form, Indian cricket fans may be witnessing the rise of a future superstar—right on the eve of the U19 World Cup.
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