Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga-Online Writer
India have been crowned the 2026 ICC Men’s U-19 World Cup champions following a 100-run victory over Engalnd at Harare Sports Club.
The victory marks India’s sixth title in 11 final appearances, extending their record as the most successful nation in the tournament’s history.
After winning the toss, India chose to bat first.
India’a 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi delivered a historic masterclass, scoring a massive 175 off 80 balls and setting a new record of highest score in a U-19 World Cup final.
His score propelled India to a total of 411 runs in 50 overs.
Chasing a target of 412, England refused to go down without a fight.
Despite losing opener Joseph Moores (17) early, Ben Dawkins (66) and Ben Mayes (45) kept the scoreboard ticking with aggressive strokeplay.
England were momentarily in the hunt at 171/3 after 20 overs, but a middle-order collapse triggered by Indian captain Mhatre and spinner Deepesh Devendran saw them slip to 177/7.
England’s Caleb Falconer played a lone hand of defiance, smashing a spectacular 115 off 67 balls.
Falconer’s counter-attacking century briefly threatened to make the contest close, but he ran out of partners as India’s bowlers maintained their discipline under pressure.
