India U-19 secured a commanding seven-wicket win over Australia U-19 in the second and final Youth Test, wrapping up a comprehensive 2-0 series victory in Australian conditions. This impressive feat followed their earlier clean sweep in the three-match Youth ODI series, firmly establishing India’s dominance.
Starting day two at 114 for seven, India U-19 managed to post a first-innings total of 171, gaining a narrow 36-run lead. Australia’s struggles with the bat continued in their second innings, as they were bowled out for just 119, leaving India a modest target of 81 runs for victory.
The chase began with some early jitters for India, as star openers and captain Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi were quickly dismissed. Suryavanshi, known as the youngest IPL centurion at just 14, attempted an ambitious shot over the boundary on his first ball but failed. Mhatre soon followed, bowled by Kasey Barton, putting India in a precarious position.
However, India’s resilient lower-middle order stepped up, calmly guiding the team to the target. They comfortably reached the 81-run mark in just 12.2 overs, losing only three wickets in total, demonstrating the team’s depth and composure under pressure.
Australia’s second innings saw a dramatic collapse, largely due to India’s disciplined bowling attack. Pacer Henil Patel was particularly impactful, dismissing both Simon Budge and Zed Hollick on consecutive deliveries at the start of the innings, leaving Australia reeling at 0 for 2, a blow from which they never recovered.
India’s victory was a testament to their all-round strength. Vedant Trivedi contributed a crucial 33 not out, while the bowlers consistently delivered. Henil Patel finished with outstanding figures of 3/23 in Australia’s second innings, and Kasey Barton secured 2/32 for Australia.
Brief Scores:
- Australia U19: 135 & 116 all out (Alex Lee Young 38; Henil Patel 3/23)
- India U19: 171 & 84/3 (Vedant Trivedi 33; Kasey Barton 2/32)
This comprehensive performance in both the Youth Test and ODI series Down Under signifies the emergence of India’s next generation of cricketing talent, showcasing their readiness for international competition.