In a thrilling third youth ODI, the India U-19 boys retained their composure to defeat Australia by seven runs, completing a 3-0 series whitewash on Thursday. The first and second Youth ODIs were won by the Indian junior side by seven and nine wickets, respectively.
India, batting first, amassed 324 for 8 thanks to half-centuries from captain Mohamed Amaan (71 off 72 balls) and opener Rudra Patel (77 off 81 balls). Lower-order batsmen like Hardik Raj (30 off 18 balls) and Chetan Sharma (18 not out off 9 balls) made valuable contributions that put the side in a dominant position.
Australia, in response, was making good progress at 241 for 2 in the 41st over, with twin centurions Oliver Peake (111) and Steven Hogan (104) adding 180 runs for the third wicket stand. However, at the end of the allotted 50 overs, they could only muster 317 for 7.
The two slow left-arm orthodox spinners, Hardik (3/55) and Kiran Chormale (2/59), combined to create a mini-slump by dismissing the two set batsmen and keeper Alex Lee Young in rapid succession. They were outstanding in the final overs.
India were back in the game like never before as they stifled the run-flow towards the end after being 241 for 2 at the conclusion of the 45th over, which turned into 267 for 5.
While Aidan O’ Connor (35 off 20 balls) did use the long handle to a good effect, Bengal fast bowler Yudhajit Guha (2/40) bowled well enough in the last over to prevent the Aussies from crossing the finishing line.
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).
