Manchester: The Indian Under-19 cricket team, despite already securing the series, concluded their tour with a seven-wicket defeat to England U-19 in the fifth and final Youth One Day International here today. While the result went England’s way, India had already wrapped up the series 3-1, thanks to a dominant 55-run victory in the fourth ODI on July 5.
Opting to bat first, the young Indian brigade struggled to find their rhythm, managing a below-par 210 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs. England chased down the target with remarkable ease, reaching 211 for 3 with 113 balls to spare.
India’s innings got off to a disastrous start, losing skipper Ayush Mhatre (1) and Vihaan Malhotra (1) within the first three overs, leaving the scoreboard reading a dismal 9. Teen sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi (33 off 42) attempted to steady the ship, forging a crucial 51-run partnership with Rahul Kumar (21). However, just as the duo seemed to be building momentum, Suryavanshi departed, caught by Alex Green off Sebastian Morgan. His brief knock included three fours and two sixes. Rahul Kumar soon followed, caught by BJ Dawkins off Green’s bowling.
Wickets continued to tumble for the visitors, with wicketkeeper Harvnash Pangalia (24), Kanishk Chauhan (24), and Deepesh Devendran (0) all making quick exits. RS Ambrish emerged as the lone shining light for India, showcasing resilience with a gritty 66 off 81 balls, adorned with six boundaries. The English bowlers maintained tight control, effectively restricting the Indian batting lineup to a modest total. Ralphie Albert and Alex French were the pick of the bowlers for England, bagging two wickets each for 24 and 37 runs respectively.
In pursuit of the paltry target, England’s top order fired on all cylinders. Ben Mayes led the charge with an unbeaten 82 from 76 deliveries, including eleven fours and a six. BJ Dawkins provided excellent support with a quickfire 66 off 53 balls, featuring nine fours and three maximums. Skipper Thomas Rew then put the finishing touches on the chase with a blistering unbeaten 49 off just 37 balls, smashing seven fours and a six. For India, leg-spinner Naman Pushpak claimed two wickets for 65 runs, while Deepesh Devendran picked up one, conceding 34 runs from his seven overs.
Brief Scores: India U-19: 210 for 9 in 50 overs (RS Ambrish 66; Ralphie Albert 2/24, Alex French 2/37). England U-19: 211 for 3 in 31.1 overs (Ben Mayes 82 not out, BJ Dawkins 66; Naman Pushpak 2/65).
Read More: Tripura Achieves Milestone with Third Free Kidney Transplant at AGMC, Eyes Deceased Donor Programme