Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has showered praise on Vaibhav Suryavanshi for his heroic 175 in the Under-19 World Cup 2026 final, as India set England a daunting 412-run chase. The prodigy from Patna unleashed fury with 15 fours and 15 sixes in 80 balls, anchoring India’s 411/9 at Harare Sports Club.
Opting to bat, India stumbled to 20/1 with Aaron George’s wicket. Suryavanshi then scripted magic, partnering Mhatre for 142 runs to reach 162. Mhatre’s 53 paved the way for Suryavanshi’s rampage with Trivedi (89 in 39 balls). The innings surged past 300 via Malhotra-Trivedi (51), Kundu’s 40 (with 6 fours, 1 six), Ambrish’s 18, and Chauhan’s unbeaten 37 (3 fours, 1 six).
England pacers struggled, with Minto grabbing 3 scalps, Morgan and Green 2 apiece, and Lumsden 1. Kumar’s heartfelt X post read: ‘Vaibhav’s stellar 175 off 80 balls showcases his hard work and genius. He’s India’s new cricket hope. May he shine for the nation.’
Earlier, the CM honored visually impaired cricketer Anu Kumari. Suryavanshi’s blitz has fans dreaming of his senior team debut, highlighting Bihar’s growing cricketing stature amid India’s dominant U19 campaign.