Riding on Hardik Raj's all-round show, India U-19 cricket team secured a thrilling 7-run victory over Australia in the third youth ODI, completing a clean sweep of the series. This victory followed previous wins of seven and nine wickets respectively in the first two matches.
India U-19 team clinch series-sweeping win over Australia
Batting first, India posted a total of 324 runs for 8 wickets. Half-centuries from opener Rudra Patel (77 off 81) and captain Mohamed Amaan (71 off 72) laid a solid foundation. Valuable contributions from lower-order batters Hardik Raj (30) and Chetan Sharma (18) further boosted India's score. Aidan O'Conor remained the pick of the bowlers for Australia as he dazzled with a brilliant four-fer.
India U-19 team defends 242-run target
In their chase, Australia was in a strong position at 241 for 2 in the 41st over, with captain Oliver Peake (111) and Steven Hogan (104) sharing a 180-run partnership for the third wicket. While Peake struck nine fours and two sixes in this 115-ball knock, Hogan slammed 10 boundaries and four maximums in his 84-ball innings. However, they ultimately fell short, managing only 317 for 7 at the end of the 50 overs. The Indian bowling attack, led by slow left-arm orthodox spinner Hardik (3/55) and off-spinner Kiran Chormale (2/59), played a crucial role in restricting Australia's momentum. Their excellent bowling in the death overs resulted in the dismissals of Peake, Hogan, and keeper Alex Lee Young, triggering a mini-collapse that ultimately proved decisive for India.
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India's stunning comeback
Australia's momentum slowed down significantly after losing three wickets in quick succession, going from 241 for 2 to 267 for 5 by the end of the 45th over. India's disciplined bowling choked the run flow, bringing them back into the game. Aidan O'Connor (35 off 20 balls) tried to counterattack, but Bengal fast bowler Yudhajit Guha (2/40) bowled a crucial final over, preventing Australia from reaching the target and securing India's victory.
Brief Scores: India U-19 324/8 in 50 overs (Mohamed Amaan 71, Rudra Patel 77, Hardik Raj 30); Australia 317/7 in 50 overs (Oliver Peake 111, Steven Hogan 104, Hardik Raj 3/55, Kiran Chormale 2/59).
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