The India U19 squad kicked off their Youth ODI series with a resounding seven-wicket win against Australia U19 at the Ian Healy Oval. The victory was largely orchestrated by remarkable unbeaten half-centuries from Abhigyan Kundu and Vedant Trivedi.
Abhigyan Kundu, who was rightly named Player of the Match, showcased an aggressive batting display, smashing 87 runs off just 74 balls, including five sixes and eight fours. Supporting him brilliantly, Vedant Trivedi contributed a steady 61 runs off 69 balls, featuring eight boundaries.
Their formidable 152-run partnership for the fourth wicket was the cornerstone of India’s successful chase. They effortlessly ran down the target of 226 with a comfortable 117 balls to spare, overcoming some initial jitters.
The Indian innings started on a promising note, with 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi scoring a quickfire 38 runs off 22 balls, decorated with seven fours. He formed a 50-run opening stand with captain Ayush Mhatre, who added six runs. However, both openers soon fell to Hayden Schiller and Charles Lachmund. The dismissal of Vihaan Malhotra for nine left India in a precarious position at 75/3 in the tenth over.
It was from this point that Kundu and Trivedi took charge, stabilizing the innings and guiding India to a comfortable victory with their composed and powerful batting.
Earlier in the match, Australia, batting first, managed to post 225/9 in their allotted 50 overs. The Indian bowlers maintained excellent discipline throughout their spell. Henil Patel was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3-38. Kanishk Chouhan added 2-39, Kishan Kumar took 2-59, and RS Ambrish contributed with 1-50.
For Australia, John James put up a valiant fight with an unbeaten 77 runs off 68 balls, hitting six fours and a six. His crucial innings provided much-needed resistance after Australia found themselves struggling at 35/4 and later at 107/6. Tom Hogan scored 41 and Steven Hogan made 39, though both struggled to accelerate the scoring rate against the disciplined Indian attack.
With this dominant performance, India has taken a 1-0 lead in the Youth ODI series. The second match is scheduled to be held at the same venue on Wednesday.
Brief scores: Australia 225/9 in 50 overs (John James 77 not out, Tom Hogan 41; Henil Patel 3-38, Kanishk Chouhan 2-39) lost to India 227/3 in 30.3 overs (Abhigyan Kunda 87 not out, Vedant Trivedi 61 not out; Charles Lachmund 2-46, Hayden Schiller 1-59) by seven wickets.