Media365
NEW DELHI: 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again underlined why he is being spoken about as a generational batting talent after producing a breathtaking knock in India U19’s World Cup warm-up match against Scotland. In a game designed primarily for preparation rather than results, Sooryavanshi ensured the focus stayed firmly on him with a scintillating 96 off just 50 deliveries, setting the tone for India’s massive total of 374/8.
Opening the batting after Scotland won the toss and opted to bowl, the left-hander wasted little time in asserting dominance. From the moment he settled in, Sooryavanshi displayed an attacking range well beyond his years.With a nice blend of power-hitting and precision batting, his innings was packed with intent as he found nine 4s. Seven towering sixes showcased his remarkable bat speed and confidence against both pace and spin.Watch:What also stood out was not just the strike rate of 192, but the ease with which the runs flowed from the Bihar-born boy’s bat. Scotland’s bowlers tried varying their lengths and pace, yet Sooryavanshi adapted instantly, using the depth of the crease and his strong bottom hand to punish anything marginally off line. His partnership with Aaron George helped India race past the 140-run mark inside 17 overs.Despite falling four runs short of a century, caught behind while attempting another attacking stroke, Sooryavanshi’s job was well and truly done. His dismissal did little to dampen the impression he left. Riding on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s explosive 96 at the top, India U19 piled up a mammoth 374/8 in their 50 overs. The 14-year-old’s blistering start allowed the middle order to bat with freedom, as Aaron George (61), Vihaan Malhotra (77) and Abhigyan Kundu (55) all chipped in with half-centuries.
