Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continued his sensational form with a stunning century, while Aaron George also reached triple figures as India U-19 crushed South Africa by 233 runs in the third and final youth ODI, completing a commanding 3-0 series sweep on Wednesday. Sooryavanshi’s brilliance earned him both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards. Sent in to bat, captain Sooryavanshi, who had blitzed a 24-ball 68 in the previous match, was once again in destructive mood. The 14-year-old from Bihar smashed 127 off just 74 balls, belting ten sixes and nine fours, showcasing his fearless strokeplay.
Opening partner Aaron George backed him up superbly, crafting 118 off 106 deliveries. Together, the duo put on a massive 227-run partnership that set the tone for India’s imposing total of 393 for 7. South Africa’s chase never got off the ground, as they were bowled out for 160 in 35 overs. Ntando Soni (3/61) and Jason Rowles (2/59) led the bowling effort for India at Willowmoore Park, sharing five wickets between them. Chasing a steep target, South Africa stumbled early, losing three wickets for just 15 runs in the fourth over. Kishan Singh wreaked havoc at the top, dismissing Jorich Van Schalkwyk (1), Adnaan Lagadien (9), and Lethabo Phahlamohlaka (0). The 19-year-old Singh, who had already taken four wickets in the second ODI, was once again the standout bowler. A brief fightback from Daniel Bosman (40) and Jason Rowles (19) proved insufficient, as South Africa slid to 99 for six in the 23rd over. Late resistance from Paul James (41) and Corne Botha (36 not out) only delayed the inevitable. Sooryavanshi’s third Youth ODI century further cemented his rising reputation. In 18 matches, he has scored 973 runs at an average of 54.05 with a strike rate of 164.08, including three centuries and four fifties. India had already secured the series with a 25-run DLS win in the opener and an eight-wicket victory in the second ODI, making this final triumph a fitting conclusion to a dominant campaign.
