India's Under-19 cricket team delivered a masterclass in dominance on Wednesday, thrashing South Africa by a colossal 233 runs in the third and final youth ODI at Willowmoore Park. This emphatic victory sealed a commanding 3-0 series whitewash, underlining the team's sheer superiority throughout the contest.
Sooryavanshi and George's Record-Breaking Stand
The foundation of India's mammoth win was laid by a breathtaking batting display from captain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and his opening partner, Aaron George. Sent in to bat, the duo unleashed a ferocious assault on the South African bowlers. Sooryavanshi, the 14-year-old prodigy from Bihar who had smashed a 24-ball 68 in the previous match, was in a destructive mood once again.
He blazed his way to a sensational century, scoring 127 runs off just 74 deliveries. His innings was a spectacle of fearless strokeplay, peppered with ten massive sixes and nine fours. At the other end, Aaron George provided superb support, crafting a composed 118 from 106 balls. Together, they forged a monumental opening partnership of 227 runs, which completely demoralized the opposition and set the stage for an imposing total.
South Africa's Chase Crumbles Early
Facing a daunting target of 394 runs for victory, South Africa's innings never gained momentum. The Indian bowlers, led by the impressive Kishan Singh, struck early and often. Singh wreaked havoc in the top order, reducing the hosts to a precarious 15 for 3 in the fourth over. He dismissed Jorich Van Schalkwyk (1), Adnaan Lagadien (9), and Lethabo Phahlamohlaka (0) in quick succession.
A brief period of resistance came from Daniel Bosman (40) and Jason Rowles (19), but the asking rate was always beyond reach. The middle order collapsed, leaving South Africa reeling at 99 for six. Late defiance from Paul James (41) and Corne Botha (36 not out) only served to delay the inevitable. The Proteas were eventually bundled out for 160 in the 35th over, handing India a victory of monumental proportions.
A Fitting End to a Dominant Campaign
This victory was the perfect culmination of a thoroughly one-sided series. India had previously won the opener by 25 runs via the DLS method and secured the series with an eight-wicket triumph in the second ODI. The third match was merely an exclamation point on their authority.
Unsurprisingly, the hero of the day, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, was awarded both the Player of the Match and the Player of the Series trophies. His century in the final game further cemented his status as a rising star. In just 18 Youth ODIs, he has amassed 973 runs at a staggering average of 54.05 and a strike rate of 164.08, including three centuries and four fifties.
The bowling honours were shared, with Ntando Soni (3/61) and Jason Rowles (2/59) being the most successful wicket-takers for India in the final match. However, it was the collective team effort, spearheaded by individual brilliance, that ensured a flawless and memorable series sweep for the young Indian side.
