• India U-19 skipper Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashes a blistering 127 off 74 balls against South Africa U-19 in the third Youth ODI at Benoni.

  • India U-19s are set to rack up a commanding total fueled by Aaron George's 118 and a record 227-run opening stand.

Fans erupt as Vaibhav Suryavanshi blasts scintillating century against South Africa U-19 in third Youth ODI
Fans erupt as Vaibhav Suryavanshi blasts scintillating century against South Africa U-19 in third Youth ODI (Image source: X)

India Under-19s faced South Africa U-19s in the decisive third Youth ODI at Willowmoore Park, Benoni, on January 7, 2026, during their tour of South Africa 2025-26. South Africa U-19 captain won the toss and elected to field first, setting the stage for an explosive batting display from the young Indian colts. With the series already in India‘s pocket at 2-0 following rain-affected triumphs, all eyes turned to skipper Vaibhav Suryavanshi to cap the tour in style.​

Vaibhav Suryavanshi lights up 3rd Youth ODI with blazing century

Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old prodigy and India U-19 captain, unleashed havoc from the outset, smashing a breathtaking 127 off just 74 balls, adorned with 9 fours and 10 towering sixes at a staggering strike rate of 171.62. Opening alongside Aaron George, he forged a record-shattering 227-run stand for the first wicket in 25.4 overs, laying the foundation for India’s formidable total. Suryavanshi fell to Ntando Soni, caught by Adnaan Lagadien, but not before propelling India to a dominant position, his aggressive strokeplay—particularly against pacers like JJ Basson and Jason Rowles—leaving the hosts shell-shocked. Fans exploded in celebration online, hailing the Bihar batter’s maturity beyond his years, especially after his prior series exploits including a 68 off 24 in the second ODI.​

Also READ: Vaibhav Suryavanshi to lead India U19 in South Africa tour, Ayush Mhatre named captain for U19 World Cup 2026

Here’s how fans reacted:

India U-19 to put a massive score against South Africa U-19 in the ongoing Youth ODI

India U-19s racked up a commanding 306/4 in 40 overs at a blistering run rate of 7.65, thanks to George’s elegant 118 off 106 (16 fours) before his dismissal by Jason Rowles, and solid contributions from Vedant Trivedi (34 off 42) and keeper Abhigyan Kundu (15 not out).

The innings flowed seamlessly after the mammoth opening partnership, George perished at 279 in 34.5 overs, followed by Trivedi at 294 (38.2 ov) and a brief hiccup with Harvansh Pangalia‘s run-out at 298 (39.2 ov), but RS Ambrish (2 not out) steadied the ship amid the last 5 overs yielding 30 runs for 2 wickets. South Africa’s bowlers toiled without much success Basson leaked 54 in 5 overs, while Daniel Bosman was the most economical at 5.00—highlighting India’s batting depth ahead of the ICC U-19 World Cup. This performance cements Suryavanshi’s reputation as a generational talent, blending fearless power-hitting with tactical acumen.

Also READ: England announces squad for U19 World Cup 2026, Thomas Rew to lead

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Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on , , and .