Vaibhav wins praise as India turn attention to U19WC final
India set to take on England in the Under-19 World Cup decider as teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi earns plaudits for his efforts against Afghanistan in the semis.
Hard-hitting opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi won praise from his captain Ayush Mhatre as India booked their place in the final of the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup with a history-making seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan on Wednesday.
Vaibhav hit a quickfire innings of 68 as India chased down the highest total in the history of the Under-19 World Cup against Afghanistan, with the Asian side winning a place in Friday's title decider against England as a result.
Sooryavanshi's batting blitz | Player Highlights | U19 CWC 2026
Watch the highlights of India's Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's high-tempo 68 runs from 33 balls against Afghanistan in the semi-finals of the ICC Men's Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026.
While Vaibhav's opening partner Aaron George was deservedly named Player of the Match for his steady knock of 115, it was the talented 14-year-old that earned the praise from Mhatre for setting the tone at the top of India's batting order.
Vaibhav smashed four sixes and five fours while contributing 68 in just 33 deliverers, his third half-century of the Under-19 World Cup, with Mhatre singling his out the left-hander's contribution during the post-match presentations at the Harare Sports Club.
"It was really important for us because after 10 overs we had 90 runs and that was fabulous for us," Mhatre said.
"He (Vaibhav) just released the pressure and we just wanted to build the innings. So it was really easy for us also to build the innings."
India's record chase seals spot in Final | Match Highlights | U19 CWC 2026
India beat Afghanistan by 7 wickets to book their spot in Final of the ICC Men's Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026.
Mhatre (62) and George then stitched a century partnership in steady time to anchor India's chase, before No.4 Vihaan Malhotra (38*) came to the crease to guide the side home with more than eight overs to spare.
"There was a simple discussion after 10 overs and (with) 90 runs (on the board)," Mhatre continued.
"We had to just bat for a long time, just look for a singles, doubles and just take a boundary from a loose ball.
"So nothing special, just play the merit of the ball."
Aaron leads the way in important chase | POTM Highlights | U19 CWC 2026
India's Aaron George was exceptional in his Player of the Match knock of 115 runs from 104 balls against Afghanistan in the semi-finals of the ICC Men's Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026.
Having booked their place in the Under-19 final for the first time since 2022, India now turn their attention towards the tournament's only other unbeaten side in England in an intriguing battle in Harare on Friday.
Mhatre knows the quality England have at their disposal and wants his team to keep things simple and focus on areas they can improve ahead of the title decider.
"England is also a fabulous team," he said.
"They have played some really nice games in this tournament, but we have a simple plan.
"Just play our game, not to see the opponent. Play each ball on its merits and just adapt the condition what is happening on the wicket and just play simple cricket."