Yashbardhan’s all-round effort sees India U-19 edge Australia U-19 in rain-shortened Youth ODI

India U-19 edged Australia U-19 by seven runs in a rain-reduced Youth ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Friday, with Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan producing a match-defining all-round performance.

Sent in to bat after the contest was cut to 20 overs a side, India posted 182 for six, recovering from 88 for four through a fifth-wicket stand of 69 between Yashbardhan and Anvay Dravid. Yashbardhan top-scored with 54 off 34 balls (5x4, 2x6) and returned later to take two wickets; Anvay, the younger son of Rahul Dravid, contributed 38 off 18 deliveries (2x4, 3x6) before being bowled by Eli Brain.

Aaryavir Sehwag made his India U-19 debut in the match and scored 28 before Spencer Green dismissed him, while Virender Sehwag watched from the stands. The appearance of the sons of Sehwag and Dravid in the same national youth side drew a note of nostalgia after the fathers once shared an India dressing room.

Australia began their reply strongly as Neel Patel and Hayden Barbulovic added 58 for the opening wicket, but Yashbardhan disrupted the start by having Barbulovic (40) stumped by Anvay and later removing Neel for 45. Jack Czosnek kept Australia competitive with a 55 off 27 balls (6x4, 3x6), ensuring the chase remained alive into the final overs.

Further breakthroughs came from Arjun Rajput, who dismissed Zed Hollick, and C. Venkata, who removed Czosnek, but Australia required 11 off the last over. Mohit Ulva bowled the final over and defended the target, enabling India to hold on for the seven-run victory.

The scores: India U-19 182/6 in 20 overs (Yashbardhan Chauhan 54, Anvay Dravid 38) beat Australia U-19 175/7 in 20 overs (Neel Patel 45, Hayden Barbulovic 40, Jack Czosnek 55). Toss: Australia; Player of the Match: Yashbardhan.