Suryavanshi’s Historic Smash Leads India to Clinch ICC U-19 World Cup
India created history by winning the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026, defeating England by 100 runs in the final in Harare on Friday. The victory handed India a record sixth title at this level. It was also the biggest win by runs in the history of an U19 World Cup final. The triumph was built on a sensational knock from 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The youngster smashed a stunning 175 off just 80 balls. His innings powered India to a massive 411 for 9 in 50 overs. England attempted a fightback during the chase. Caleb Falconer played a brave innings of 115 from 67 deliveries. However, the target proved far too steep. India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. Suryavanshi enjoyed a dream outing. He was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series. Reflecting on the success, he said, “We have worked together for eight to nine months for this. Captain Ayush Mhatre proudly lifted the trophy after the win. He credited the team’s performance and legacy. “We are happy that we have carried forward the legacy set by Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur,” Mhatre said. With this win, India now hold the U19 World Cup, the senior Women’s World Cup, and the Men’s T20 World Cup titles. The victory was the result of a complete team effort. Mhatre contributed with both bat and ball throughout the tournament. Aaron George played a crucial century in the semi-final. Vihaan Malhotra delivered a standout performance against Bangladesh. Kanishk Chouhan played several important cameos and shone against Pakistan. With the ball, RS Ambrish and Henil Patel picked up 11 wickets each. Khilan Patel impressed with valuable contributions in batting, bowling, and fielding.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Creates History with Record Century in U-19 World Cup Final
Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi created history. He scored the fastest century in an Under-19 World Cup final. The Indian youngster reached the milestone in just 55 balls against England. He did not stop there. Suryavanshi went on to score a stunning 175 runs off 80 balls. It became one of the most dominant innings in a World Cup final. His knock included 15 sixes and 15 fours. It showed his fearless and attacking approach. India won the toss and chose to bat first. Suryavanshi took control from the beginning. He attacked the English bowlers without hesitation. He kept the scoreboard moving at a rapid pace. Out of his 175 runs, 150 came through boundaries. His innings crushed England’s bowling attack. It also made him the biggest star of the tournament. With this historic knock, Suryavanshi has announced his arrival on the world stage. He is now seen as one of the brightest young talents in Indian cricket. This achievement adds to his growing list of records. Suryavanshi first grabbed global attention in April last year. He smashed a six off the very first ball he faced in the Indian Premier League. Soon after, he created another milestone. He became the youngest player to score a century in men’s T20 cricket. He reached the hundred in just 35 balls while playing for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans. The innings also became the second-fastest century in IPL history. Only Chris Gayle’s iconic 30-ball hundred in 2013 remains faster. His dominance continued in youth international cricket. In July 2025, Suryavanshi smashed the fastest recorded century in a youth ODI at that time. He scored 143 runs from just 78 balls against England at Worcester. He reached his century in 52 balls. In doing so, he broke Kamran Ghulam’s previous 53-ball record set for Pakistan in 2013. With record after record, Suryavanshi is rapidly building a legacy. His fearless batting and consistency at such a young age have made him one of the most exciting prospects in world cricket.
Harshit Rana Likely to Rule Out of T20 World Cup
Harshit Rana is speculated to miss out on the T20 World Cup 2026 due to injury. He suffered an injury during the warm-up match against South Africa on Wednesday. The all-rounder was seen leaving the field limping. According to the sources, he is suffering from joint tenderness. The skipper, Suryakumar Yadav, while reflecting on the situation, stated, “Harshit does not look good. We will know today.” He further expressed, “If Harshit is ruled out, it will be a big blow. We will have to look at other combinations. But we have enough bench strength.” Rana gave away 16 runs in one over his struggles were evident during the match. Yadav, talking about the possible replacement, the skipper stated in the pre-match press conference that they will not necessarily include another all-rounder in the squad. “We shall see. No hard and fast rule that he has to be an all-rounder,” In the warm-up fixture, India registered a comfortable 30-run victory. In-form Ishan Kishan continued his red-hot run, blasting a rapid 53 off just 20 balls, laced with seven sixes and two fours, as India piled up a daunting 241 for five after opting to bat on a batting-friendly surface. The bowlers then produced a collective effort, with Suryakumar Yadav and his men using as many as nine bowling options. Abhishek Sharma was the standout, picking up two wickets, as South Africa were restricted to 210 for seven. India is now scheduled to play tomorrow against the USA in their first clash of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Hazlewood Ruled Out Due To Injury, Raising Concern For the Squad
Australia has dealt another blow as their spearhead fast bowler, Josh Hazlewood, has now ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 due to injury. Pat Cummins’s absence had already fractured the team now, losing the service of the fastbowler will drive further rupture into the squad. The new development came just a day before the marquee tournament, announced by the national Australia selector Tony Dodemaide. He stated that the team is expecting Hazlewood’s participation from the Super 8 stage, however, the chances remain closely unachievable. “We were hopeful Josh would be back to match fitness by the Super Eights stage, but the latest indications are that he is still some time away,” Dodemaide expressed. “Trying to accelerate his program would carry too much risk. “We will not be naming a replacement player immediately. We feel we are well covered for the initial games and will make any later decisions based on priority need at the time.” For the first time in a world tournament, Australia will be without their famed “Big Three,” with both fast bowlers ruled out and Mitchell Starc retired from T20Is. Earlier this January, Australia confirmed that Pat Cummins would not take part in the 2026 T20 World Cup, having been ruled out with a persistent back injury dating back to last year’s tour of the West Indies. Australia’s ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Australia squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
Virat Applaud RCB on Securing Women’s Premier League Title
Virat Kohli expressed his heartfelt wishes just a few moments after RCB secured the win in WPL. The famous ‘Ee Sala Cup Namdu’ chant is no longer just a hopeful slogan. It has now turned into a symbol of complete domination. The landmark win triggered a heartfelt reaction from the franchise’s biggest icon, Virat Kohli. Soon after the final ball was bowled, Kohli took to social media and applauded the team. He praised the players for their determination, fighting spirit, and ability to deliver under pressure. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) created history on Thursday night by winning the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 final. With this victory, the franchise now holds both the IPL and WPL titles at the same time, a first in its history. Kohli wrote, “Champions again. Keeping the RCB flag flying high and something that each one of you can be proud of.” He further demonstrated, “To Smriti and the whole squad and the management team, a big congratulations for this tremendous victory. You guys deserve this undoubtedly. Enjoy the moment and embrace the love of our amazing fans.” RCB, one of the most followed teams, had secured their victory run, two years ago in 2024. The men followed as they broke their long time block in IPL trophy under Rajat Patidar lead in 2025. The WPL 2026 final at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara turned into a thrilling contest. Records were broken throughout the match. Delhi Capitals, playing their fourth straight final, delivered a powerful batting display. They scored 203 for 4, the highest total ever in a WPL final. Jemimah Rodrigues led the charge with a solid 57, putting RCB under massive pressure. RCB, however, responded with confidence and composure. Captain Smriti Mandhana led from the front with a stunning innings. She scored a brilliant 87 off just 41 deliveries. Mandhana found strong support from Georgia Voll, who played an outstanding knock of 79. The duo stitched together a massive 165-run partnership that completely shifted the momentum. Delhi’s bowlers struggled to contain the attack. RCB faced some nervous moments towards the end but stayed calm. They chased down the target with two balls remaining, registering the highest successful run chase in WPL history. RCB’s 2026 season highlighted their remarkable consistency. The team controlled the league stage with authority. They won six out of eight matches and secured a direct entry into the final. Smriti Mandhana played a crucial role in their success. She remained in outstanding form throughout the tournament. Mandhana finished as the highest run-scorer and claimed the Orange Cap. Her performances showed that captaincy strengthened her game rather than adding pressure.
“BCCI is at fault for it”; Former Indian Bowler Backs Gambhir
Munaf Patel, former Indian ace fast bowler, backed Gautam Gambhir while holding the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) accountable for the national team’s decline. Patel, in a recent interview with ‘Breaking Sports with Vivek Sethia’, stated, “Why we are losing at home is because our batters don’t know how to play spin. And the BCCI is at fault for it. They have stopped offering turning pitches in domestic cricket. They have made it mandatory that at least 6 mm of grass be on pitches. How will it turn?” Gambhir has faced severe criticism from the sports fraternity for India’s decline in Test Cricket at home. However, Munaf supported Gambhir, stating he should not be blamed for the downhill journey of India in Test Cricket. “Earlier, our curators would prepare pitches as per our strengths. And hence, when India plays at home, we dish out turning wickets. So clearly, you don’t understand where to get your feet and bat,” Munaf said. He added, “Everyone’s blaming Gautam Gambhir. He’s being unfairly targeted. He is not batting out there. The ones who are aren’t prepared enough.” The bowler further expressed, “Why are you targeting one person? He is a good coach. He’s won an ICC title and drawn the Test series in England.” India failed to secure their spot for the World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2025. After the team’s defeat against South Africa, they lost their possibility of sealing a spot in the WTC 2027 final. The national team now is preparing for the T20 World Cup 2026 and the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
