Vaibhav Suryavanshi delivered a powerful and aggressive batting display in India’s opening youth ODI against England on Friday.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Explosive Start in India’s U19 ODI Against England
Vaibhav Suryavanshi showcased his explosive batting prowess during India’s opening youth ODI against England in Hove. Chasing a modest target of 175, Suryavanshi opened the innings alongside Ayush Mhatre and made an immediate impact, scoring a blistering 48 off just 19 balls. His innings included three fours and five towering sixes before being dismissed in the 8th over by Ralphie Albert.
Having previously represented India in the U19 Asia Cup last year, Suryavanshi’s aggressive approach set the tone for the chase.
In the match’s bowling effort, the Indian youngsters shone, bowling England out for 174 in 42.2 overs. Kanishk Chouhan stood out with an economical 10-over spell, taking three wickets for just 20 runs, while Henil Patel, RS Ambrish, and Mohamed Enaan contributed two wickets each.
Suryavanshi’s knock
Ayush Mhatre, the U19 captain and Chennai Super Kings player in this year’s IPL, opened alongside Vaibhav Suryavanshi. However, it was Suryavanshi who took charge as the aggressor, relentlessly punishing the English bowlers. Wearing the iconic No. 18 jersey—long associated with Virat Kohli in senior white-ball cricket—he struck a four off just the second ball he faced against AM French and hit at least one boundary in every over he batted, except the 8th when he was dismissed.
Suryavanshi’s two consecutive sixes off Jack Home intensified pressure on England’s bowling attack. His dismissal for 48, however, gave England a chance to claw back, as they took three quick wickets soon after. Nevertheless, Suryavanshi’s early assault laid a strong foundation, with India comfortably positioned at 142/4 in 20.4 overs, needing just 33 more runs to secure victory at the time of writing.