In a breathtaking display of batting prowess, India etched their name in history during the U19 World Cup 2026 final against England at Harare Sports Club. The young guns posted a mammoth 411/9, becoming the first team ever to cross the 400-run mark in a playoff match of the tournament.
This monumental score not only shattered previous records but also stands as India’s second-highest total in U19 World Cup history. The previous benchmark in playoffs was set by India itself back in 2016, when they racked up 349/6 against Namibia in Fatullah, powered by Rishabh Pant’s explosive 111 off 96 balls.
India’s love affair with massive totals continued, marking the third time they’ve breached 400 in the tournament. Recall their 425/3 against Scotland on February 16, 2024, and 405/5 versus Uganda on January 22, 2022. On Friday, opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi stole the show with a blistering 175 off 80 balls, laced with 15 fours and 15 sixes.
Suryavanshi’s partnerships were the backbone: 142 runs in 90 balls with captain Ayush Mhatre, and 89 in 39 balls with Vedant Trivedi. Mhatre contributed a steady 53 off 51, Abhijnan Kundu added 40, while Kanisk Chauhan’s unbeaten 37 off 20 balls, featuring four boundaries, propelled India past 400 in the death overs.
England’s bowlers toiled hard, with James Minto claiming 3 wickets, Sebastian Morgan and Alex Green grabbing 2 each, and Manny Lumsden snaring one. This record-breaking knock follows India’s heroic chase of 311 in the semi-final against Afghanistan, underscoring their dominance. As the chase unfolds, India’s batters have set a daunting target, promising a thrilling finale to the U19 spectacle.