Captain Lakshya Raichandani produced a superb unbeaten century as India Under-19 defeated Australia Under-19 by six wickets in the third Youth ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Wednesday.
The victory helped India complete a 3-0 series sweep after they had already sealed the series in the previous match.
Raichandani Anchors Comfortable Chase
Chasing 255, India reached the target with more than eight overs to spare, with Raichandani finishing unbeaten on 110 off 106 balls. His innings included nine fours and three sixes.
After failing to make the most of his starts in the first two matches, the Indian captain showed excellent patience in the decider. He stayed at the crease throughout the chase and ensured there were no late problems for the hosts.
Raichandani put on 58 runs for the opening wicket with Aaryavir Sehwag. The latter played positively during his 33 off 37 balls, hitting five boundaries before being dismissed by Jacob Pietz.
V.K. Vineeth fell soon after, but Raichandani continued to control the innings. He added 85 runs with Kushagra Ojha for the third wicket, putting India in a strong position.
Baghel Provides Late Push
Once Ojha was dismissed, Rajat Baghel took charge of the scoring. Replacing Anvay Dravid in the playing XI, Baghel smashed 44 off just 34 balls.
His innings featured five fours and two sixes and helped India finish the chase in convincing fashion. Raichandani remained unbeaten at the other end to complete his century and guide India home.
Hollick, Patel Give Australia Solid Start
Earlier, Australia posted 254 after being asked to bat first. Zed Hollick was the visitors’ leading scorer, making 87 from 88 balls. He struck 12 boundaries during an impressive knock and put India under pressure in the first half of the innings.
Hollick shared a 62-run partnership with Neel Patel for the second wicket. Patel also made a useful contribution, scoring 51 from 71 deliveries.
India Bowlers Trigger Australian Collapse
The breakthrough came when local debutant Aryan Savsani removed Hollick. His dismissal changed the momentum of the innings as Australia struggled to maintain their scoring rate.
Mohit Ulva and Manal Chauhan then made the most of the opportunity, claiming three wickets each. Their spells helped India keep taking wickets at regular intervals before Australia were bowled out for 254.
India had already secured the series before Wednesday’s game and made a few changes to their XI for the final match. The revamped bowling attack did its job before Raichandani’s unbeaten hundred completed another comfortable win.
Red-Ball Challenge Next
India Under-19 will now turn their attention to the longer format. The two teams are scheduled to meet in the first red-ball game in Rajkot from September 27.