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The India Under-19 side registered a comprehensive 51-run win over Australia Under-19 side in the second Youth ODI on September 24 at the Ian Healy Oval in Brisbane. With this the Ayush Mhatre-led side clinched the three-match series 2-0 with a match to spare. Batting first, India U-19 rode on half-centuries from Vaibhav Suryavanshi (70), Vihaan Malhotra (70), and Abhigyan Kundu (71) to post a total of 300 in 49.4 overs.
India U-19 down Australia U-19 in 2nd Youth ODI
In reply, the Australian side were bowled out for 249 in 47.2 overs. Indian captain Ayush Mhatre played a crucial role with the ball, picking up three wickets for just 27 runs in his four overs. The bowling attack was further supported by Kanishk Chouhan, who claimed two Australian wickets, conceding 50 runs during his full quota of 10 overs.
India U19's innings began on a difficult note when captain and opener Ayush Mhatre was dismissed for a two-ball duck by Australian paceman Will Byrom in the very first over. However, fellow batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi and number three Vihaan Malhotra launched a superb counterattack. The pair built a rapid 117-run partnership, with Suryavanshi hitting a brisk 70 off 68 balls and Malhotra matching him with 70 off 74 balls. Both set batters eventually became the two victims of Yash Deshmukh (2/31) as the middle order came under pressure.
Australia tried to maintain pressure in the middle overs, with Hayden Schiller (1/65) and Aryan Sharma (1/50) each picking up a wicket to keep the hosts in the contest. Despite this, a sparkling, quick-fire knock of 71 runs off 64 balls from Abhigyan Kundu was instrumental in lifting the Indian total to a competitive 300. Pacer Will Byrom delivered the most effective spell for the hosts, adding two more wickets towards the end to finish with impressive figures of 3 wickets for 47 runs. Kasey Barton (1/53) and John James (1/53) also contributed a wicket each during the slog overs.
India's bowlers made early inroads in Australia's chase. Kishan Kumar drew first blood, sending back Australia U19 opener Simon Budge for a slow 14. The pressure intensified as Kanishk Chouhan claimed two crucial wickets in successive overs, dismissing Steven Hogan and home captain Yash Deshmukh. This left Australia U19 reeling at a troubling 64-4. The slump continued as both Alex Lee Young and John James failed to mount a recovery, falling quickly to RS Ambrish (1/51) and Khilan Patel (1/47) respectively, leaving the score at 109-6.
A courageous partnership at the lower middle order kept Australia's hopes alive. Number six Jayden Draper spearheaded the counterattack, forging a vital 112-run stand with Aryan Sharma (38 off 44 balls). Draper was particularly destructive, top-scoring in the game with a blistering 107 from just 72 balls, featuring eight fours and five massive sixes. Despite this heroic effort, India's victory was sealed by captain Ayush Mhatre, who delivered the knockout blow with a three-wicket haul (3/27). Vihaan Malhotra (1/2) then applied the finishing touch, ensuring the 'Boys in Blue' secured a significant 51-run win.
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