India’s U19 Future Stars Shine Bright in Dominant Series Opener Against England
India’s prodigious Under-19 squad has kicked off their Youth ODI tour of England with a resounding six-wicket victory, establishing a decisive 1-0 lead in the five-match series. The win was a showcase of explosive batting and disciplined bowling, proving that the future of Indian cricket is undeniably bright. Young talents, fresh from their Indian Premier League exploits, led the charge, leaving England little room to breathe.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Unleashes Blitzkrieg at the Top
The chase of 175 runs began with an electrifying bang, largely thanks to the phenomenal Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Donning the iconic No. 18 jersey, the 14-year-old phenom, who had previously dazzled in IPL 2025 by amassing 252 runs for Rajasthan Royals – including an unforgettable 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans – looked in imperious touch.
Suryavanshi wasted no time, smashing three towering sixes off Jack Home in the sixth over before launching into James Minto, racing to a breathtaking 48 runs off just 18 deliveries. His whirlwind innings, however, ended abruptly when he top-edged a slog sweep off left-arm spinner Ralphie Albert, caught by Tazeem Chaudry Ali. Yet, his incredible start had already set a scorching pace, propelling India to 70 without loss in a mere seven overs alongside skipper Ayush Mhatre.
Mhatre and Kundu Guide India Home
Following Suryavanshi’s departure, captain Ayush Mhatre, another IPL star who tallied 240 runs for Chennai Super Kings (including an 84 off 48 balls against Royal Challengers Bengaluru), shifted gears. The Mumbai-born batter struck successive boundaries off AM French, showcasing his class. However, his promising innings was cut short at 21 when he fell trying to clear extra cover, caught by Rocky Flintoff.
Despite a brief stumble that saw Maulyarajsinh Chavda (16) also depart, vice-captain Abhigyan Kundu calmly took control. With no scoreboard pressure looming large, Kundu played a composed yet attacking innings, scoring an unbeaten 45 runs off just 34 balls, featuring four boundaries and a six, to comfortably seal the chase in just 24 overs.
India’s Bowling Attack Dismantles England
Earlier in the day, India’s bowling unit laid the foundation for victory with a clinical performance. Spearheaded by the spin duo of Kanishk Chouhan (3/20) and Mohamed Enaan (2/37), ably supported by seamers RS Ambrish (2/24) and Henil Patel (2/41), the Indian attack systematically dismantled England’s batting lineup, bowling them out for a modest 174 in 42.2 overs.
England had shown early promise through opener Isaac Mohammed, who unleashed a ferocious assault with 42 runs off 28 balls, including three fours and four sixes. However, once Patel dismissed BJ Dawkins (18) and Enaan removed Isaac just shy of his fifty, the innings lost its crucial momentum. The hosts plummeted from a promising 76/1 to a precarious 86/4 as Ambrish struck twice in quick succession to remove Ben Mayes (16) and captain Thomas Rew (5).
Rocky Flintoff’s Resilient Stand
Amidst the tumbling wickets, Rocky Flintoff, the youngest son of England cricketing legend Andrew Flintoff, fought a valiant battle. Displaying remarkable resilience, he crafted a determined half-century (56 runs off 90 balls), featuring three fours and as many sixes, as he attempted to rebuild England’s innings with the lower order.
Despite his admirable efforts, wickets continued to fall around him. Chouhan’s precise spell accounted for Joseph Moores, Ralphie Albert, and James Minto, while Enaan returned to dismiss Ali. Flintoff’s tenacious resistance eventually ended when he fell to Patel, attempting to accelerate, bringing England’s innings to a close in the 43rd over.
Dominant Start Sets Series Tone
This comprehensive six-wicket victory not only marks a stellar start for the India U19 side but also underscores the depth of talent emerging from the Indian cricketing system, particularly those who have already tasted the high-pressure environment of the IPL. The manner of this win, achieved with such authority and pace, sends a clear message for the remainder of the series.
What’s Next for India and England U19 Squads?
With the first Youth ODI wrapped up, both teams will now prepare for the remaining matches in the five-game series. Following the conclusion of the One Day Internationals, the tour will transition into a two-Youth Test series, commencing on July 12, promising more exciting contests between these promising young cricketers.
