IPL breakout star Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashes 19-balll 48 against England U-19s-OxBig News Network

India’s U-19 side made a commanding start to their England tour, cruising to a six-wicket win in the opening Youth ODI — and at the heart of the storm was 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, whose breathtaking cameo set the tone for the result.

Chasing 175, India wasted no time asserting dominance. It took Suryavanshi just 18 balls to hammer 48 runs, a knock that featured five sixes and three boundaries — most of which came in back-to-back overs off Jack Home and James Minto. The right-hander’s fearless approach stunned the England attack into submission before he miscued a slog-sweep off Ralphie Albert and fell just shy of what could have been a debut half-century.

His aggression had already ensured a flying start, with captain Ayush Mhatre adding a quick 21 at the other end. The pair’s opening stand of 71 in under eight overs effectively shut England out of the contest. Although India lost a few wickets in the middle overs, vice-captain Abhigyan Kundu saw the chase through with a confident and unbeaten 45 off 34 deliveries, sealing the win in the 24th over with a six.

What made Suryavanshi’s knock even more remarkable was the momentum he carried in from his breakthrough IPL season. The young gun had made headlines earlier this year for a record 35-ball hundred for Rajasthan Royals. On Friday, under different conditions and format, he displayed the same explosive flair that has rapidly elevated him into a name to watch.

Before the fireworks with the bat, India’s bowlers had done their part to set up the game. England’s innings showed promise early on, especially through opener Isaac Mohammed’s entertaining 42 off 28. But once Mohammed Enaan and Henil Patel removed the openers, the innings unravelled.

Rocky Flintoff, son of former England international Andrew Flintoff, held firm with a measured 56, but wickets kept falling around him. Kanishk Chouhan stood out with a disciplined 3 for 20, while Ambrish, Enaan, and Henil chipped in with two scalps each to bowl England out for 174 in the 43rd over.

The result gives India a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, with two Youth Tests scheduled after the ODIs. But more than the numbers, it was the authority with which India’s teen stars — particularly Vaibhav Suryavanshi — imposed themselves that stole the spotlight.

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