India’s under-19 cricket team witnessed a special performance on July 23, 2025, when 18-year-old Ayush Mhatre, a rising star and part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad, scored a brilliant century in just 64 balls against England U-19. This innings came during the second Youth Test match held in Chelmsford, and it has now become one of the fastest centuries in Youth Test history.
Early Pressure, Strong Comeback
India was chasing a huge total of 355 runs in their second innings. Things didn’t start well for the visitors, as opening batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi got out for a duck (0 runs) on the very first ball. However, Ayush Mhatre came in next and completely turned the game around with his aggressive and fearless batting.
Record-Breaking Century
Mhatre reached his half-century in just 25 balls and then went on to complete his century in only 64 balls. This broke the previous Youth Test record held by England’s George Bell, who had scored a hundred in 88 balls against Sri Lanka U-19 in 2022. Mhatre eventually scored 126 runs off 80 balls, which included:
- 13 fours
- 6 sixes
This knock not only saved India from a tough situation but also made headlines across the cricketing world.
Series Hero
This wasn’t Mhatre’s only good performance in the series. Earlier in the first Youth Test, he had also scored a century. In the entire series, his scores were, 102 (1st Test), 32, 80, and126. This shows that he was India’s best performer and played a major role in keeping the team in the fight.
A Bright Future Ahead
Ayush Mhatre is already part of the IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings, and with such performances, he is proving that he has the potential to become a future star for Indian cricket. Scoring a century under pressure, in tough English conditions, is no small task, especially at the age of 18.
Even though the match ended in a draw due to bad light, Mhatre’s innings stood out as a symbol of courage, confidence, and skill. His fearless approach against a quality England bowling attack showed great maturity for his age. It was a performance that not only rescued India from trouble but also cemented his place as a leader of the next generation.
Conclusion
Ayush Mhatre’s 64-ball century is not just a record, but also a sign of a future superstar in the making. Whether in international youth cricket or the IPL, fans can expect to see a lot more fireworks from this talented young batsman.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
