After record-breaking chase in SF, India chase sixth U-19 World Cup title

India head into Friday’s ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup final against England brimming with confidence after a record-breaking semifinal chase against Afghanistan, powered by a blistering start from 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and calm leadership from captain Ayush Mhatre.

The seven-wicket win not only sealed India’s sixth consecutive Under-19 World Cup final appearance but also saw them successfully hunt down the highest total ever chased in the tournament’s history. While opener Aaron George earned the Player of the Match award for his composed 115, it was Vaibhav’s explosive 68 at the top that set the platform and drew praise from the Indian captain.

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Vaibhav’s innings, his third half-century of the tournament, came off just 33 deliveries and featured four sixes and five fours, ensuring India were well ahead of the required rate early in the chase.

Speaking after the match, Mhatre underlined how decisive the opening burst proved to be.

“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.”

With the early momentum secured, Mhatre (62) and George stitched together a measured century partnership to keep India firmly in control. Vihaan Malhotra then finished the job with an unbeaten 38, guiding the side home with more than eight overs to spare.

Reflecting on the approach that will also guide India in the final, Mhatre stressed simplicity and patience once the platform had been laid.

“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.”

India now face England in Harare, the only other unbeaten team in the tournament, in what promises to be a closely contested final. Aware of the challenge ahead, Mhatre acknowledged England’s strength but reiterated his side’s focus on execution rather than opposition.

“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.”

With form, confidence and history on their side, India will look to carry forward the same fearless start and composed middle-order approach as they chase a sixth Under-19 World Cup title on Friday.