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England Under-19 emerged victorious in the fifth and final Youth One Day International (ODI) against India Under-19 at New Road in Worcester on Monday, July 7, thanks to half-centuries from opener Ben Dawkins and one-down batsman Ben Mayes. Despite this win, India secured the series victory 3-2.
Choosing to bat first, the Indian Under-19 cricket team put up a disappointing batting performance, managing to score only 210 runs for the loss of nine wickets. This total proved to be insufficient as the host team chased it down with considerable ease, having 113 balls remaining in their innings.
India experienced a shaky start, losing their captain Ayush Mhatre for a mere 1 run and Vihaan Malhotra, also for 1 run, within the initial three overs, leaving the score at a precarious 9 for 2. Teen sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who is known for his aggressive batting style, couldn't fully unleash his power but managed to forge a crucial 51-run partnership with Rahul Kumar, who scored 21, helping to stabilize the innings. However, just as their partnership was beginning to flourish, Suryavanshi was dismissed, caught by Alex Green off Sebastian Morgan's bowling after hitting three fours and two sixes in his brief innings of 33 runs from 42 balls. Rahul Kumar's stay at the crease was also cut short when he was caught by BJ Dawkins off Green's bowling.
The wickets continued to fall at regular intervals for India as wicketkeeper Harvnash Pangalia (24), Kanishk Chauhan (24), and Deepesh Devendran (0) were all dismissed in quick succession. Amidst this batting collapse, RS Ambrish emerged as the lone bright spot for India, holding up one end with a resilient knock of 66 runs off 81 balls, which included six boundaries. The English bowlers outperformed the Indian batsmen, successfully restricting the visitors to a below-par total.
In response to the modest target, the England Under-19 team batted with confidence. Ben Mayes played a solid unbeaten innings of 82 runs, while BJ Dawkins contributed a fine 66, and their captain Thomas Rew remained not out on 49 off just 37 balls, ensuring a comfortable victory for their side. Mayes' innings of 76 balls included 11 boundaries and one six, while Dawkins' 53-ball innings featured nine fours and three sixes. Skipper Rew also played aggressively, scoring his runs with the help of seven fours and one six. For India, the leg-spinner Naman Pushpak was the most successful bowler, taking two wickets for 65 runs, and Deepesh Devendran claimed one wicket while conceding 34 runs in his seven overs.
Looking ahead, the two teams will now shift their focus to the longer format of the game, as they are scheduled to play two Youth Test matches. The first Test will begin on July 12 in Beckenham, and the tour will conclude with the second Test at the County Ground in Chelmsford.
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