Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Smashes Another Century as India U-19 Take 2–0 Lead vs South Africa

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continued his remarkable form in the ongoing Under-19 ODI series against South Africa by delivering another emphatic century in the third match on Sunday. Opening the innings, the young skipper was involved in a massive 227-run stand with Aaron George, laying a solid foundation for India’s dominance.

Vaibhav smashed 127 runs from just 74 balls, showcasing his attacking intent with nine boundaries and ten towering sixes. His fearless stroke play kept the South African bowling unit under constant pressure throughout his stay at the crease.

At only 14 years of age, Vaibhav is captaining the Indian Under-19 side for the full series in the absence of regular captain Ayush Mhatre, and he has led from the front in style. Earlier, in the second ODI, he played a breathtaking knock of 68 runs off just 24 deliveries, reaching his half-century in a mere 19 balls. That explosive innings proved crucial as India secured victory in the rain-affected match under the DLS method.

In Sunday’s third ODI, Vaibhav once again converted a strong start into a three-figure score, further highlighting his consistency and growing influence at the Under-19 level. His aggressive approach and clean hitting have quickly established him as one of the brightest emerging talents in youth cricket.

The youngster had already grabbed global attention last year when he registered the fastest century in Under-19 cricket, reaching the landmark in just 52 balls against England in Worcester.

With this win, India have taken an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match ODI series against South Africa Under-19s. The series serves as a key part of India’s build-up to the Under-19 World Cup, scheduled to begin on January 15 in Zimbabwe and Namibia.