Benoni: Vaibhav Suryavanshi continues to rewrite the record books with astonishing ease. On January 7, the 14-year-old prodigy became the youngest captain to score a century in youth ODIs, producing a breathtaking knock of 127 off just 74 balls in the third and final youth ODI against South Africa.
Opening the innings at Willowmoore Park, Benoni, the left-hander delivered a powerful statement just a week ahead of the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026. His innings was laced with 10 sixes and nine fours, as he dismantled the South African bowling attack.
South Africa captain Muhammed Bulbulia won the toss and elected to bowl first. Suryavanshi, opening alongside Aaron George, wasted no time in exploiting the fielding restrictions. He attacked the new ball with confidence, particularly targeting Michael Kruiskamp, whom he struck for two fours and two sixes in the seventh over. An over later, he brought up his half-century in just 24 balls.
George matched his partner’s intent, reaching his own fifty from 32 deliveries. Suryavanshi received a lifeline in the 13th over when Daniel Bosman induced a chance that was spilled, with the batter then on 58. He made the most of the reprieve, unleashing further damage during the middle overs.
The onslaught continued as Suryavanshi raced to his century from only 63 balls, reaching the landmark off the first delivery of the 23rd over. The formidable opening stand finally ended in the 26th over when Ntando Soni dismissed Suryavanshi, who top-edged a pull to deep square leg where Adnaan Lagadien completed the catch. The openers had already piled on a massive 227-run partnership.
George, however, carried on to complete his own century, reaching the milestone from 91 balls in the 29th over. He was later dismissed by Jason Rowles after an outstanding innings of 118 off 106 deliveries, which included 16 fours.
The innings marked Suryavanshi’s third century in youth ODIs and brought him within touching distance of 1,000 runs in the format. From just 18 innings, he has amassed 973 runs at an impressive average of 54.05 and a staggering strike rate of 164.08, underlining his growing stature ahead of the Under-19 World Cup.
