News Report Benoni, South Africa – In a stunning display of the skill of youth cricket, India Under-19 captain Vaibhav Suryavanshi broke the time-tested Youth One-Day International (ODI) record for batting previously held by the senior international star Rishabh Pant. The 14-year-old’s dazzling talent played an explosive and memorable performance in the match against South Africa Under-19 in the second game of the series that lasted three games at Willowmoore Park on Monday, 5 January 2026.
Suryavanshi’s game is likely to be remembered as being among the most memorable of recent Youth ODI history. He soared to the half-century mark in only 15 minutes, beating his record for 18 balls recorded by Pant. In a display of incredible speed and agility Suryavanshi’s explosive batsmanship included 10 incredible sixes, as well as only one boundary, generating 64 runs of the 68 he scored through straight hitting on the ropes.
The team decided to pursue an updated target of 174 in 27 overs using the Duckworth-Lewis system after a rain-damaged South African innings, India U-19 gained momentum from Suryavanshi and his opening partner Aaron George. They laid a strong foundation, controlling the match from the start and putting pressure on the home team.
Suryavanshi’s blistering opening innings was a huge factor in India speed towards the halfway point of their innings. However, Suryavanshi was removed for 68 runs over 24 deliveries. His performance was a dramatic change in momentum to India’s advantage and also left his South African bowling attack reeling.
A frenzied South Africa U-19 had posted 245 runs in the allotted 49.3 overs after choosing the batsman first. They were aided by a memorable century scored by Jason Rowles, whose 114-run score was the mainstay of the total. Rowles’ innings included 7 fours, 3 sixes, before being dismissed in the final stages of the innings.
In the retaliation, India U-19 were guided by the aggressiveness of Suryavanshi which energized the batsmen and set the stage towards the pursuit. Following his dismissal, India continued with calculated aggression and dominated the field by establishing controlled partnerships. Batsmen Vedant Trivedi as well as Abhigyan Kundu were crucial in guiding the innings towards a resounding end. Trivedi was unbeaten until 31 and Kundu ended on 48, making sure India finished the chase without a shaky foot.
In the bowling department the South African’s Michael Kruiskamp emerged as the most effective bowler, achieving figures of 2/23 across his six overs. He also claimed the most important wickets for Suryavanshi and an additional Indian batter.
The record Suryavanshi broke was that of Rishabh Pant who, with his 18-ball fifty in an ODI for youth had been unchallenged for many years. Pant has become a renowned name in international cricket at the senior level established the record early in his career, during youth tournaments. Suryavanshi’s feat is not just a sign of the immense potential of India’s rising star but also puts the aspiring captain among the top players in the history of statistics for youth cricket.
Suryavanshi’s performance in the last few months have always drawn the attention of the world of cricket. Suryavanshi has been writing records across all formats, showing extraordinary batting talent. In particular, he was the first player in history to hit 100 runs in the men’s Twenty20 competition in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) by scoring 101 runs in 38 ball for Rajasthan Royals. The innings was considered to be among the most fast century in IPL history and established him as the shortest centurion to score a century in T20 cricket.
Prior to the 2025 Asia Cup Rising Stars event, Suryavanshi registered a scintillating 144 off 42 balls for India-A with the United Arab Emirates, reaching his century in only 32 balls — which was among the top 100-run scorers in the men’s T20 competition played by the Indian batter.
Suryavanshi’s continuing success extends into List A formats as well in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored an quick 36-ball hundred at the Vijay Hazare Trophy, becoming one of the fastest and youngest centurions of the competition’s history.
The latest game over South Africa U-19 further cements Suryavanshi’s status as a top potential player within Indian cricket. His ability to execute with confidence regardless of his age, highlights the level of his talent and the temperament he has traits that attract similarities to the top batting talent coming out of the Indian cricketing pipeline.
India U-19’s win at the 2nd Youth ODI not only gives them a clear advantage of 2-0 in the three-match series, but will also strengthen the potential of the squad as they prepare for their next international youth tournaments. The series will provide an invaluable experience and provide exposure to the upcoming Indian team as they prepare toward the next major tournaments.
The Indian youth cricket scene is thriving with the likes of Suryavanshi’s performance, which have received acclaim and attention from both experts and fans and former international players too. The rising talent pool indicates a bright future for Indian cricket with promising players prepared to compete at the top levels.