The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a ₹7.5 crore cash reward for the Indian Under-19 cricket team following their emphatic triumph in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026. India lifted the trophy after a dominant 100-run victory over England in the final, extending their record as the most successful team in the history of the tournament with six titles.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia congratulated the young Indian side for their flawless campaign, highlighting the team’s unbeaten run throughout the tournament and their ability to rise to the occasion in the high-pressure final. He said the board was immensely proud of the players for showcasing talent, discipline and maturity beyond their years.
“The entire nation and the BCCI are proud of our Under-19 team. Their performance in the final against England and their unbeaten journey through the tournament reflects the strength of India’s cricketing system. To recognize this outstanding achievement, the BCCI will award the team a cash prize of ₹7.5 crore,” Saikia said.
Record-Breaking Final Performance
The final, held in Harare, Zimbabwe, witnessed a historic batting display by India. Opting to bat first, the Indian team posted a mammoth 411/9, the highest-ever total in an Under-19 World Cup final. The innings was headlined by a sensational knock from Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who smashed a breathtaking 175 off just 80 balls.
Suryavanshi’s innings, laced with 15 fours and 15 sixes, stunned the England bowlers and set multiple records. At just 14 years of age, he became the youngest player to score a century in an Under-19 World Cup final and narrowly missed out on what would have been the tournament’s first-ever double century. His performance drew comparisons with legendary World Cup innings, underlining the magnitude of his achievement.
Captain Ayush Mhatre played a crucial supporting role with a composed 53 off 51 balls, while Abhigyan Kundu added late momentum with a quickfire 40 off 31 deliveries, ensuring India crossed the 400-run mark.
England’s Fight Falls Short
Chasing an imposing target of 412, England struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Despite a valiant 115-run effort from Caleb Falconer, England were bowled out for 311, falling well short of the target. India’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings, capitalising on England’s middle-order collapse to seal a comprehensive victory.
India also set a new benchmark by smashing 31 sixes in the final, the highest ever in a Youth ODI final, surpassing the previous record of 23.
Praise From PM Modi and Cricket Fraternity
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team on their historic achievement, praising the young cricketers for their exceptional skill and determination.
“India’s cricketing talent shines once again. Proud of our Under-19 team for bringing home the World Cup. Their performance throughout the tournament has been outstanding and will inspire young sportspersons across the country,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
The victory adds to India’s Under-19 World Cup titles in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2022, further cementing the country’s dominance at the junior level. England, meanwhile, continue their wait for a second Under-19 World Cup title since their lone triumph in 1998.
With this latest success, India’s Under-19 team has once again reinforced the depth of talent in the country’s cricketing pipeline, offering a promising glimpse into the future of Indian cricket.
