U19 World Cup: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Smashes Sanju Samson’s 12-Year-Old Record in Semi-Final Thriller
HARARE – On a historic Wednesday at the Harare Sports Club, the U19 World Cup witnessed a changing of the guard as 14-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi etched his name into the record books. During India’s high-stakes semi-final clash against Afghanistan, Sooryavanshi delivered a breathtaking counter-attack that not only propelled India toward the final but also shattered a long-standing milestone previously held by Indian star Sanju Samson.
The left-handed sensation from Bihar has become the talk of the U19 World Cup, showcasing a level of power-hitting that belies his age. By clearing the ropes with clinical precision, Sooryavanshi has officially become the Indian player with the most sixes in a single edition of the tournament, surpassing a record that had stood unchallenged since 2014.
The Moment History Was Made
Chasing a daunting target of 311—the highest successful chase in the history of the U19 World Cup—India required an explosive start to unsettle the disciplined Afghan bowling attack. Sooryavanshi provided exactly that. He raced to a half-century in just 24 deliveries, eventually departing for a blistering 68 off 33 balls.
During this knock, he struck four massive sixes. These maximums took his tournament tally to 15 sixes, effectively eclipsing Sanju Samson’s record of 12 sixes set during the 2014 edition in the UAE.
“Records are meant to be broken, but the way Vaibhav is doing it at just 14 years of age is staggering,” noted a former India U19 coach. “He isn’t just hitting the ball; he is dominating the U19 World Cup with a fearless brand of cricket that we haven’t seen at this level in a decade.”
Breaking Down the “Sixer King” Leaderboard
The U19 World Cup has always been a springboard for future stars like Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill. Sooryavanshi’s record-breaking feat places him in elite company among India’s most prolific boundary hitters.
| Player | Edition | Sixes |
| Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | 2026 | 15 |
| Sanju Samson | 2014 | 12 |
| Ayush Mhatre | 2026 | 12 |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 2020 | 10 |
| Raj Angad Bawa | 2022 | 10 |
Sooryavanshi is now within touching distance of the all-time world record for the most sixes in a single U19 World Cup edition, currently held by South Africa’s Dewald Brevis (18 sixes in 2022). With the final against England still to play, the young opener has a legitimate chance to become the greatest “Sixer King” in the history of the competition.
A Historic Chase: India Reaches the Final
While Sooryavanshi’s record was the individual highlight, it was the collective brilliance of the Indian top order that defined the day. Afghanistan had posted a massive 310/4, powered by centuries from Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai. Under the immense pressure of a U19 World Cup semi-final, India’s response was clinical:
The Foundation: Sooryavanshi and Aaron George added 90 runs for the opening wicket in less than 10 overs.
The Anchor: Aaron George played a masterpiece, scoring 115 off 104 balls to guide the chase.
The Captain’s Knock: Ayush Mhatre contributed a steady 62, ensuring no mid-innings collapse occurred.
India reached the target with 7 wickets in hand and nearly 9 overs to spare, securing their sixth consecutive appearance in the U19 World Cup final.
The Rise of a 14-Year-Old Phenomenon
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s journey in the U19 World Cup 2026 has been nothing short of cinematic. Having already made headlines as one of the youngest players to ever feature in the tournament, his performance in Harare has validated the immense hype surrounding him.
Representing Rajasthan Royals in the IPL and having already smashed three T20 centuries in domestic cricket, Sooryavanshi represents the new “Gen-Z” of Indian batting—one that prioritizes intent and strike rate above all else. His ability to maintain a strike rate of over 147 throughout this U19 World Cup has been the X-factor for the defending champions.
Looking Ahead: The Final vs England
India now moves to the ultimate showdown in Bulawayo, where they will face an unbeaten England side on Friday. The U19 World Cup final promises to be a battle of titans, as both teams have dominated their respective paths to the trophy.
For Sooryavanshi, the final is more than just a quest for silverware; it is an opportunity to extend his record and perhaps reach the magical 20-sixes mark. As the sun sets on Harare, the message is clear: a new star has arrived on the global stage, and his name is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
U19 World Cup Final Preview: India vs England Tactical Matchups
The stage is set for a blockbuster conclusion to the U19 World Cup 2026. Following India’s record-breaking semi-final victory over Afghanistan, they now face a clinical and unbeaten England side at the Harare Sports Club this Friday. While India chases a record-extending sixth title, England aims to repeat their 1998 glory.
Here are the three tactical matchups that will decide the U19 World Cup final:
1. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi vs Manny Lumsden (The Powerplay Clash)
This is the “Irresistible Force vs Immovable Object” duel of the U19 World Cup. Sooryavanshi is the tournament’s most dangerous opener, striking at a staggering 165.88 and fresh off breaking Sanju Samson’s sixes record. To stop him, England will rely on their premier speedster, Manny Lumsden, who has taken 19 wickets this tournament. Lumsden’s ability to extract bounce at 85mph+ will be England’s best bet to test the 14-year-old’s technique early on.
2. Farhan Ahmed vs Aaron George (The Spin Trap)
In the middle overs of the U19 World Cup, England’s vice-captain Farhan Ahmed has been a metronome, maintaining an incredible economy rate of 3.72. He will be tasked with tying down India’s semi-final hero, Aaron George. George is coming off a massive century (115) and is India’s best player of spin. If George can dismantle Farhan’s rhythm, India could post or chase a total in excess of 300.
3. Thomas Rew vs Henil Patel (The Captain’s Challenge)
England’s captain Thomas Rew enters the final in red-hot form after a magnificent 110 in the semi-final against Australia. He anchors the English innings with a “wicketkeeper’s perspective,” reading the game perfectly. India’s pace spearhead Henil Patel, who has 14 wickets, will be the one trying to breach Rew’s defense. If Henil can get Rew early, it exposes an English middle order that hasn’t been under sustained pressure throughout the U19 World Cup.
Final Match Details
Venue: Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe
Date: Friday, February 6, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM IST (07:30 AM UTC)
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