Australia/Patiala, September 21 (Sports Desk)
India Under-19 registered a commanding 7-wicket victory over Australia Under-19 in the opening match of the three-match Youth ODI series, showcasing their batting prowess in a clinical chase. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, India restricted Australia to 184 all out in 49.4 overs, thanks to a stellar bowling performance led by Karthikeya KP (3/31). In response, Abhigyan Kundu (87*) and Vedant Trivedi (61*) anchored a sensational partnership, guiding India to 185/3 in just 36 overs. This win marks a strong start for India in the series, highlighting their depth in both batting and bowling.
Match Summary
Australia’s innings began steadily but collapsed under pressure from India’s spinners and pacers. Early breakthroughs by Henil Patel and Saumy Pandey left Australia at 34/3, and despite a fighting 46 from James (name not specified in reports), the middle order crumbled. Karthikeya’s three wickets, including skipper Will Malajczuk, sealed Australia’s fate at 184.
India’s chase started shakily but stabilized with Kundu and Trivedi’s unbeaten 130-run stand. The duo’s composed strokeplay, including boundaries off Henil Patel, ensured a comfortable victory with 14 overs to spare. Australia’s bowlers, led by Henil Patel (1/25), couldn’t contain the momentum.
Scorecard
Australia Under-19 Innings: 184/10 (49.4 overs)
- James: 46 (key middle-order resistance)
- Will Malajczuk (c): 28 (captain, out to Henil Patel)
- Hayden Schiller: 22 (out to Henil Patel)
- India Bowling: Karthikeya KP 3/31 (4 overs), Henil Patel 3/25 (4 overs), Saumy Pandey 2/28 (4 overs)
- Run Rate: 3.72
- Last 10 Overs: 35/3 (3.50 run rate)
India Under-19 Innings (Target: 185): 185/3 (36 overs)
- Abhigyan Kundu: 87* (unbeaten, match-winning knock)
- Vedant Trivedi: 61* (unbeaten, crucial partnership)
- Australia Bowling: Henil Patel 1/25 (4 overs), James 1/30 (4 overs)
- Run Rate: 5.14
- Last 10 Overs: 62/0 (6.20 run rate)
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Key Performances
- Abhigyan Kundu (IND): Unbeaten 87 with elegant boundaries, anchoring the chase and earning Player of the Match.
- Vedant Trivedi (IND): Unbeaten 61, forming a 130-run partnership with Kundu to seal the victory.
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi 38 in just 22 Balls
- Karthikeya KP (IND): 3/31, dismantling Australia’s middle order with sharp spin.
- Henil Patel (IND): 3/25, including key wickets of the skipper and Schiller.
- James (AUS): 46, providing some resistance in the lower order.
Highlights
- India’s bowlers, particularly the spinners, triggered a collapse from 167/8, ensuring a below-par total.
- The chase saw India reach 100 in 20 overs, with the unbroken 130-run stand turning the match decisively.
- This victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the series, boosting morale ahead of the next Youth ODI.
India’s depth in youth cricket shone through, setting the tone for a dominant series against Australia.
