Fourteen-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi shattered Rishabh Pant's long-standing record for the fastest half-century by an Indian in Youth ODIs during the second match of the series against South Africa U19 at Willowmoore Park in Benoni on January 5, 2026. Leading India U19 as captain in the absence of regular skipper Ayush Mhatre, Suryavanshi reached his fifty in just 15 balls, surpassing Pant's previous mark of 18 balls. His explosive knock of 68 runs came off only 24 deliveries and included a staggering 10 sixes and one four, with 64 of his runs coming from boundaries.

The match was affected by rain, reducing India's target to 174 runs from 27 overs after South Africa U19 was bowled out for 245 in 49.3 overs. Suryavanshi opened alongside Aaron George, and the pair raced to 50 in just 4.1 overs. Suryavanshi brought up his half-century in 19 balls overall before continuing his assault. He was eventually dismissed by South Africa’s Michael Kruiskamp in the 8.1 over with the score at 103 for 2 in 10 overs. George had earlier fallen for 20 off 19 balls. Vedant Trivedi (31 not out) and Abhigyan Kundu (48 not out) then guided India to a comfortable victory without further loss.

For South Africa U19, Jason Rowles top-scored with a fine century (114 off 113 balls, including seven fours and three sixes), forming a 97-run stand with Daniel Bosman (31). However, the rest of the batting lineup struggled to maintain momentum. India’s bowling was led by Kishan Singh, who claimed 4 wickets for 46 runs in 8.3 overs. RS Ambrish took 2 for 47, while Kanishk Chouhan and Khilan Patel picked up one wicket each.

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Suryavanshi’s performance continues his remarkable rise in youth cricket, where he has consistently demonstrated exceptional power-hitting and maturity beyond his years. Breaking a record previously held by one of India’s most destructive senior batters like Rishabh Pant underlines his immense potential. Fans and experts alike are closely watching his development, with many believing he could soon make the transition to senior-level cricket.

The series between India U19 and South Africa U19 has provided a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills. Suryavanshi’s record-breaking knock in this rain-affected chase not only secured victory for India but also etched his name in the history books of Youth ODIs.

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