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Nikhil Kumar's composed and unbeaten half-century under pressure played a crucial role in India U-19's thrilling two-wicket victory over Australia U-19 on the third day of the first unofficial Test in Chennai.
Nikhil Kumar's counter-attacking fifty takes India U-19 home in 1st Test
Nikhil Kumar, batting at number seven, remained unbeaten on 55 off 71 balls, guiding India to victory in the final hour of the day's play.
Earlier, leg-spinner Mohamed Enaan's impressive bowling performance, claiming 6/79, helped dismiss Australia for 214 in their second innings. Australia had resumed the day at 110 for four.
India, chasing a challenging target of 212, faced an early setback when Vaibhav Suryavanshi, their star performer in the first innings, was dismissed for just one run in the second over. Australia's decision to entrust the new ball to off-spinner Thomas Brown proved to be a strategic move, as he successfully trapped Suryavanshi caught behind by wicketkeeper Simon Brown.
The modest target of 212 offered Australia some hope, and they were further boosted by the early dismissal of Suryavanshi. Their spirits lifted even higher when Aidan O'Connor had Vihaan Malhotra caught and bowled for 11, leaving India struggling at 25 for two.
A valuable partnership of 71 runs between Nitya Pandya (51 off 86 balls) and KP Karthikeya (36 off 52) helped India inch closer to victory. However, both Karthikeya and Pandya were dismissed by leg-spinner Vishwa Ramkumar, leaving India in a precarious position at 113 for four.
Aidan O'Connor further compounded India's difficulties by dismissing Soham Patwardhan, leaving the hosts with five wickets down and still needing around 100 runs to win.
At this crucial juncture, Nikhil Kumar stepped up and, together with wicketkeeper Abhigyan Kundu (23 off 52), guided India past the 150-run mark.
However, just as it seemed that Kumar and Kundu could steer India to victory, Aidan O'Connor had Kundu caught behind and Vishwa Ramkumar dismissed Mohamed Enaan, leaving India at 167 for seven.
In search of another crucial partnership, Kumar found a reliable ally in Samarth Nagaraj, as the duo forged a match-winning 47-run stand for the eighth wicket. With Samarth's dismissal, India were well on their way to securing a victory.
Brief Scores:
Australia U19: 293 and 214 all out in 67.4 overs (Riley Kingsell 48, Aidan O’Connor 35; Mohammed Enaan 6/79) vs India U19: 296 and 214/8 in 61.1 overs (Nitya Pandya 51, Nikhil Kumar not out 55; Aidan O'Connor 4/27).
