India U19 clinches thrilling 2-wicket victory over Australia U19

In an exhilarating first Youth Test match, India U19 secured a nail-biting 2-wicket win against Australia U19. Chasing 215 in their second innings, India showed resilience, reaching 214-8 in 61.1 overs, thanks to a gritty 55* from Nikhil Kumar.

Australia U19 First Innings

Australia U19 posted a competitive 293 in their first innings, led by Aidan O’Connor’s 61 from 70 balls and Riley Kingsell’s steady 53. India’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Samarth Nagaraj (3-49) and Mohammed Enaan (3-48), kept Australia’s total in check. Aditya Rawat contributed with 2-50.

India U19 First Innings

In response, India U19 put up 296 in their first innings, just surpassing Australia’s total. Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s explosive 104 off 62 balls, laced with 14 boundaries and four sixes, provided the foundation. Vihaan Malhotra (76) and skipper Soham Patwardhan (33) offered crucial support. Australia’s Vishwa Ramkumar stood out with 4-79, while Thomas Brown chipped in with 3-79.

Australia U19 Second Innings

Australia’s second innings saw them struggle, managing 214 before being bowled out. Kingsell again top-scored with 48, but Enaan’s lethal bowling (6-79) dismantled the middle and lower order. Patwardhan, the Indian skipper, supported with 3-27.

India U19 Second Innings

India’s chase was filled with tension as wickets fell at regular intervals. Nitya Pandya anchored the innings with 51, while contributions from KP Karthikeya (35) and Nagaraj (19) helped India stay in the contest. Aidan O’Connor’s 4-27 and Ramkumar’s 3-75 put Australia on the verge of victory, but Nikhil Kumar’s calm knock under pressure led India to a thrilling 2-wicket win.

With this win, India U19 has taken a 1-0 lead in the Youth Test series.