India U19 captain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced a historic display of power-hitting on Monday, smashing 68 runs off just 24 deliveries in the second Youth ODI against South Africa at Willowmoore Park. The 14-year-old’s extraordinary innings, featuring 10 sixes and a solitary boundary, propelled India to 103-2 in just 11 overs before lightning forced an early stoppage. India U-19 Defeat South Africa U-19 By 25 Runs Via DLS Method in 1st Youth ODI; Harvansh Pangalia, RS Ambrish Help Ayush Mhatre and Co to Secure 1-0 Lead in Series.

Chasing a target of 246, Sooryavanshi’s aggressive approach ensured India remained well ahead of the required rate, effectively neutralizing the South African bowling attack within the opening powerplay.

A Power-Hitting Masterclass

Opening the batting, Sooryavanshi reached his half-century in just 19 deliveries. His knock was characterized by fearless aerial shots, as he cleared the ropes with remarkable frequency against both pace and spin.

The left-hander’s carnage was eventually ended by Michael Kruiskamp, who managed to get the captain to hole out to Daniel Bosman. Despite the dismissal, Sooryavanshi's strike rate of 283.33 had already placed India in a dominant position. When play was suspended due to grim weather conditions, Vedant Trivedi (9*) and Abhigyan Kundu (2*) were at the crease.

South Africa’s Lone Resistance

Earlier in the day, South Africa U19 were bowled out for 245 in 49.3 overs after opting to bat first. The hosts' innings was almost entirely anchored by Jason Rowles, who scored a defiant 114 off 113 balls. Rowles’ century provided much-needed respectability to the scoreline as wickets fell consistently at the other end.

India’s bowling effort was led by Kishan Kumar Singh, who dismantled the Proteas' top order to finish with impressive figures of 4-60. RS Ambrish also chipped in with two wickets, ensuring the hosts never built a substantial partnership outside of Rowles' individual effort.

Historical Context and Background

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has rapidly become one of the most talked-about names in age-group cricket. At just 14 years and 284 days old, he recently became the youngest player to captain a side in a Youth ODI, surpassing the long-standing record held by Pakistan's Ahmed Shehzad.

The Bihar-born sensation is no stranger to record-breaking feats; earlier this season, he smashed a 36-ball century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, eventually scoring 190. His appointment as captain for this series came in the absence of regular skipper Ayush Mhatre and vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra, both of whom are recovering from injuries ahead of the U19 World Cup starting on January 15. Fact Check: Check Truth Behind Young India Sensational Vaibhav Suryanvanshi Posing With Abhinandan Cup Trophy As ‘1-Year-Old’.

Series Outlook

India currently leads the three-match series 1-0 following a 25-run victory via the DLS method in the opening game. A win in this match would secure the series for the visitors, serving as a significant morale booster as the team finalizes its preparations for the upcoming World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 05, 2026 07:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).