Suryavanshi’s explosive 68 powers India U19 to 8-wicket win over South Africa

Summary: India U19 level up series as captain Suryavanshi smashes a fiery 68 runs, ten sixes.

India's Under-19 team won convincingly over South Africa in the second Youth ODI in Benoni, with teenage captain Vaibhav Suryavanshi leading the way spectacularly. 

Chasing a revised target under the DLS method after rain interruptions, India reached 176 for 2 in 23.3 overs, sealing an eight-wicket victory and grabbing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. 

The standout moment of the night came from Suryavanshi, whose breathtaking 68-run innings off just 24 balls turned the match firmly in India’s favour. The 14-year-old hammered 10 sixes and a four, giving South Africa’s bowlers little respite and electrifying the chase from the moment he walked in. 

The match itself was disrupted by lightning more than once, and the target was revised to 174 off 27 overs. India were cruising at 115 for two in 12.5 overs when play was paused, but after the restart, the side pushed on with confidence and wrapped up the game before the revised overs were completed. 

Suryavanshi’s innings was backed by good contributions from the middle order. Vedant Trivedi remained unbeaten on 31 off 57 deliveries, while Abhigyan Kundu also finished not out with 48 off 42, ensuring the chase ended comfortably. 

Earlier, South Africa had posted 245 all out in their full 50 overs, powered by a classy 114 from Jason Rowles, but the early aggression from India’s skipper left little doubt about the outcome. 

India will look to complete a clean sweep when the third Youth ODI is played next, but with Suryavanshi’s current form — thrilling fans with every powerful swing — they’ll enter that game with plenty of confidence.