In a powerful display of emerging talent, India’s Under-19 cricket team achieved a complete whitewash against Australia U-19 on Wednesday, securing a convincing seven-wicket victory in the second and final Youth Test played in Australian conditions. This triumph sealed a flawless 2-0 series win, building on their earlier clean sweep in the three-match Youth One-Day International series.
Starting day two with a score of 114 for seven, the young Indian side pushed their first innings total to 171 all out, earning a slender 36-run lead over their Australian hosts. However, Australia’s struggles with the bat continued into their second innings, as they were dismissed for just 119, leaving India with a manageable target of 81 runs to claim the match.
India’s chase got off to a nervy start. Both opening batsmen, captain Ayush Mhatre and the promising Vaibhav Suryavanshi, fell quickly. Suryavanshi, notably the youngest IPL centurion at 14, attempted to hit his first ball over the boundary but was caught out. In the very next over, Mhatre was bowled by Kasey Barton, leaving India in a precarious position.
Despite these early setbacks, India’s lower-middle order rallied effectively, steadying the innings and guiding their team comfortably to the target in just 12.2 overs, losing only three wickets in total.
Australia’s second innings collapse was largely due to India’s disciplined bowling attack. Pacer Henil Patel was particularly impactful, striking early by dismissing Simon Budge and Zed Hollick on consecutive deliveries, which left Australia reeling at 0 for 2 and from which they never truly recovered.
This comprehensive performance underscored the depth of talent within the India U-19 squad, both in batting and bowling. Significant contributions came from players like Vedant Trivedi, who remained unbeaten with 33 runs, and consistent support from the entire bowling unit. Henil Patel delivered an impressive spell, finishing with figures of 3/23, while Kasey Barton claimed 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)
With these commanding victories in both the Youth Test and ODI series, India U-19 has firmly established its authority Down Under, showcasing a promising generation of cricketers poised for future international success.