The third and final Under-19 Youth ODI between India and South Africa is currently underway at Willowmoore Park in Benoni, South Africa. Already holding an unassailable 2-0 series lead, India’s innings was headlined by a massive 227-run partnership between skipper Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Aaron George, with both batters registering centuries.
Suryavanshi continued his rich vein of form, scoring a fluent 127 off 73 balls, laced with nine fours and 10 sixes. With the knock, he became the youngest Under-19 captain to score a century in Youth ODI cricket, adding another milestone to his growing list of achievements. The young batter has been impressive throughout the series, having earlier smashed 68 off just 24 balls in the second ODI, bringing up his half-century in only 19 deliveries.
VAIBHAV SURYAVANSHI HAMMERED A 63 BALL HUNDRED IN THE YOUTH ODI.
– This is scary consistency at the age of 14. pic.twitter.com/fCtoW3i6Ki
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 7, 2026
At the other end, Aaron George played a composed innings, scoring 118 off 106 balls, including 16 boundaries, to anchor the partnership.
India finished their innings on a formidable 393/7, with the Suryavanshi-George stand laying the foundation. A late collapse did little to dent India’s dominance but they were able to easily move past the 350 mark, leaving South Africa with a daunting chase.
India had won the first two matches of the series, both of which were affected by rain and eventually decided by the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method.
The three-match series serves as vital preparation for both sides ahead of the ICC Under-19 World Cup, scheduled to begin on January 15 in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Meanwhile, regular India U19 captain Ayush Mhatre and batter Vihaan Malhotra are expected to return from wrist injuries in time for the World Cup.