India’s celebrations after winning a record-extending sixth Under-19 World Cup title grew bigger as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a ₹7.5 crore cash reward for the champions.
The announcement came soon after the Ayush Mhatre-led side completed an unbeaten campaign with a commanding 100-run victory over England in the final on February 6 at the Harare Sports Club. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia praised the young squad for delivering under pressure and making the country proud on the global stage.
India’s triumph was powered by a massive batting performance, highlighted by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s extraordinary innings. Under captain Mhatre, India piled up a formidable 411 for 9, putting England under immediate scoreboard pressure in a record chase.
Sooryavanshi emerged as the standout performer, smashing a breathtaking 175 that turned the final into a largely one-sided contest. The left-hander reached his century in just 55 balls—one of the fastest in Under-19 World Cup history—after already racing to a rapid half-century. His acceleration in the later stages left England’s bowlers with few answers.
Chasing 412, England showed resistance through a fighting century from Caleb Falconer, but India’s bowlers struck at regular intervals to prevent any sustained comeback. England were eventually bowled out for 311, sealing a comprehensive Indian victory.
The ₹7.5 crore reward reflects the BCCI’s recognition of the team’s dominance, consistency, and the promise shown by a new generation of Indian cricketers poised to shape the country’s future in the sport.
