Vaibhav’s Explosive 68 Off 24 Balls Powers India’s Chase: South Africa Set 246-Run Target
Teen sensation smashes 10 sixes in blistering knock as India reach 103/2 in 10 overs chasing South Africa U19’s 246
Benoni, January 5, 2026 – Fourteen-year-old captain Vaibhav Suryavanshi produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting in the second Youth ODI against South Africa at Willowmoore Park, smashing an explosive 68 runs off just 24 balls to give India a flying start in their chase of 246.
Suryavanshi’s Six-Hitting Masterclass
The young left-hander, who had managed only 11 runs in the first ODI, made amends in spectacular fashion with a blistering innings that featured an astonishing 10 sixes. His strike rate of over 280 left the South African bowlers shell-shocked as India raced to 103/2 in just 10 overs.
Suryavanshi’s innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting, with the teenager treating the Benoni crowd to a display of clean hitting that has become his trademark. The Rajasthan Royals’ prodigy, who holds multiple age-group records, once again demonstrated why he’s considered one of the brightest talents in world cricket.
South Africa’s Competitive Total
Earlier in the day, South Africa U19, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, posted a competitive total of 246 runs. The hosts, looking to bounce back after their 25-run defeat (via DLS method) in the rain-affected first ODI, put together a much-improved batting performance.
The South African innings was built around solid contributions from their middle order, though they would have hoped for a bigger total on what appeared to be a good batting surface.
India’s Flying Start
India’s chase got off to the perfect start thanks to Suryavanshi’s pyrotechnics. The young captain led from the front, taking the attack to the South African bowlers from the very first over. His ability to clear the boundaries at will put India firmly in the driver’s seat in the chase.
By the time India reached 103/2 in 10 overs, they were well ahead of the required run rate, with Suryavanshi’s explosive knock having already done significant damage to South Africa’s hopes of leveling the series.
Context and Significance
This performance comes at a crucial time for both teams as they prepare for the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, which begins on January 15 in Zimbabwe and Namibia. For Suryavanshi, this innings further cements his reputation as a match-winner and validates the faith shown in him as captain for this series.
The 14-year-old, who became the youngest player to captain a team in Youth ODI cricket in the first match, is now showing his leadership credentials with bat in hand. His innings included some of the biggest sixes seen at Willowmoore Park, with the teenager showcasing his trademark pull shots and lofted drives.
Series Context
India lead the three-match series 1-0 after their DLS-method victory in the rain-affected first ODI. A win in this match would seal the series for the visitors before the third and final ODI on January 7.
Suryavanshi is leading the side in place of regular captain Ayush Mhatre, who is recovering from a wrist injury. The Bihar teenager has quickly grown into the leadership role, and performances like this will only enhance his growing reputation.
The Vaibhav Phenomenon
The young sensation has been breaking records throughout his nascent career. From becoming the youngest IPL signing at 13 to scoring the second-fastest century in IPL history, Suryavanshi has consistently defied expectations.
His recent form includes a stunning 190 off 84 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he broke AB de Villiers’ record for the fastest 150 in List A cricket. He also holds the record for most sixes in Youth ODIs, and today’s innings featuring 10 maximums only adds to that tally.
Match Summary:
- South Africa U19: 246 all out (50 overs)
- India U19: 103/2 (10 overs)
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi: 68 off 24 balls (10 sixes)
- Match Status: India chasing, well ahead of required rate
