Riding on a scintillating display of power-hitting by Vaibhav Suryavanshi, India Under-19s commenced their five-match ODI series against England Under-19s with a resounding six-wicket victory at the Central County Ground in Hove on Friday. Suryavanshi's explosive innings and a composed knock by Abhigyan Kundu helped India comfortably chase down the target set by the hosts, establishing an early 1-0 lead in the series.
England U-19 were bowled out for 174 in 42.2 overs after a dominant bowling performance by the Indian side, led by Kanishk Chouhan (3/20) and Mohamed Enaan (2/37), along with seamers RS Ambrish (2/24) and Henil Patel (2/41). Rocky Flintoff's half-century (56 off 90 balls) was the lone bright spot in an otherwise disappointing batting display by the English youngsters.
Chasing a modest target of 175, India got off to a blistering start, thanks to Suryavanshi and skipper Ayush Mhatre. The duo raced to 70 in just seven overs, setting the stage for a quick finish. Suryavanshi, in particular, was in a destructive mood, displaying his wide array of strokes and sending the English bowlers on a leather hunt.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old who had previously showcased his talent in the IPL 2025, came out all guns blazing, donning the iconic No. 18 jersey. He smashed three sixes off Jack Home in the sixth over and then followed it up by attacking James Minto, racing to 48 off just 18 balls. However, his whirlwind innings came to an end when he top-edged a slog sweep off left-arm spinner Ralphie Albert and was caught by Tazeem Chaudry Ali. He hit 5 sixes and 3 fours overall.
Mhatre, who also had a good IPL season, continued the momentum after Suryavanshi's dismissal, hitting back-to-back boundaries off AM French. However, he too perished soon after, caught by Rocky while attempting to go over extra cover. Despite the loss of both openers in quick succession and another wicket, India remained in control of the chase. Vice-captain Abhigyan Kundu anchored the innings with an unbeaten 45 off 34 balls, ensuring that the visitors coasted home without any further hiccups.
Earlier in the day, England's batting lineup struggled against the disciplined Indian bowling attack. Only Rocky Flintoff (56) and Isaac Mohammed (42) offered some resistance, but the rest of the batsmen failed to make significant contributions. Kanishk Chouhan was the pick of the Indian bowlers, spinning a web around the English batsmen and picking up three crucial wickets.
With this victory, India Under-19s have taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match ODI series. The win will boost their confidence as they head into the remaining matches. The second match will be crucial for England to level the series, while India will look to continue their winning momentum. Following the ODI series, the two teams will also engage in two Youth Test matches, beginning on July 12.
