India U-19 secured a seven-run victory over Australia U-19 in a rain-affected first Youth ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium on Friday. The match was reduced to 20 overs per side, but India still managed to post 182/6, thanks to a late burst from Anvay Dravid and a valuable half-century from Yashbardhan Chauhan.
Anvay, the son of former India captain Rahul Dravid, played a quickfire knock of 38 runs from just 18 balls. Coming in at No. 6, he smashed two fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 211.11. His aggressive batting gave India the push they needed after the team slipped to 88/4 in the 12th over.
Chauhan, meanwhile, top-scored with 54 off 34 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes. He and Anvay put together a 69-run partnership that helped India recover and finish strongly. India scored 108 runs in the final 10 overs of their innings.
Aaryavir Sehwag Makes India U-19 Debut
The match also marked the India U-19 debut of Aaryavir Sehwag, son of former India opener Virender Sehwag. Opening the innings, Aaryavir made a promising start and scored 28 runs off 26 balls, including five fours. He shared a 45-run opening partnership with captain Lakshya Raichandani.
Virender Sehwag was present at the stadium to watch his son make his international debut, adding further attention to the occasion.
Australia Fight Back But Fall Short
Australia U-19 made a strong start in their chase, with openers Neel Patel and Hayden Barbulovic putting pressure on the Indian bowlers. Patel scored 45 off 31 balls, while Barbulovic contributed 40 off 24 balls.
Captain Jack Czosnek then took charge of the innings, smashing 55 runs off just 27 balls. Australia looked capable of chasing down India’s target at one stage, but Czosnek’s dismissal in the 19th over changed the course of the match.
ALSO READ: Big Relief For Abhishek Porel, Delhi Capitals Star Granted Bail After Over A Month In Jail
Australia eventually finished at 175/7, falling seven runs short of India’s total.
Yashbardhan Chauhan Delivers With Ball Too
Chauhan completed an impressive all-round performance by taking two wickets for 28 runs in his four overs. His contribution with both bat and ball played an important role in India’s victory.
Anvay Dravid had already represented India U-19 during the Youth ODI series in Sri Lanka earlier this year, while this match marked another step in his growing cricket career.