Rajkot, September 18 (Daily Kiran) : In a thrilling encounter at Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, the Indian Under-19 cricket team triumphed over Australia by just 7 runs in a rain-affected first Youth ODI match. The game, held on September 18, showcased an outstanding performance by all-rounder Yashvardhan Chauhan.
Batting first after a delay due to rain, India managed to score 182 runs, losing 6 wickets in the process. Chauhan played a pivotal role, scoring 54 runs off just 34 balls, which included 5 fours and 2 sixes. Notably, the match featured the sons of cricket legends Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag—Anvay Dravid and Aryaveer Sehwag.
Aryaveer opened the innings aggressively, scoring 28 runs off 26 balls, aided by 5 fours. Following him, wicketkeeper Anvay Dravid adopted an attacking approach, making 38 runs off 18 balls with a remarkable strike rate of 211. His innings included 2 fours and 3 sixes. Together, Dravid and Chauhan formed a crucial partnership of 69 runs for the fifth wicket, rescuing India from a precarious 88 for 4 in the 12th over.
For Australia, off-spinner Ellie Breen was the standout bowler, taking 2 wickets for 29 runs in his 4 overs.
Chasing a target of 183 runs, the Australian U-19 team put up a strong fight, led by captain Jack Josneck, who scored a quickfire 55 runs off 27 balls, hitting 6 fours and 3 sixes. With 24 runs needed from the last 11 balls, Josneck struck three consecutive fours, completing his fifty off 25 balls. However, he was dismissed on the very next delivery.
In a nail-biting finish, Australia required 11 runs in the final over. Right-arm fast bowler Mohit Ulva held his nerve, conceding only 3 runs and securing a thrilling victory for India. Chauhan continued to impress, claiming 2 wickets for 28 runs, dismissing Neil Patel and Hayden Barbulovich, who scored 45 and 40 runs, respectively.
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