Heavy rain couldn’t dampen the high-voltage clash at the Niranjan Shah Stadium as the India Under-19 team clinched a tight seven-run victory against Australia Under-19 in a truncated first Youth ODI. Reduced to 20 overs per side following multiple weather interruptions, the match delivered high drama and a nostalgic glimpse into the future of Indian cricket as the sons of legends Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid both made massive impacts.
Aaryavir’s Aggressive Start
All eyes were glued to the opening partnership as Aaryavir Sehwag, son of legendary Indian opener Virender Sehwag, stepped out in India colors for his U19 debut. With his father watching closely from the stands, Aaryavir mirrored the aggressive intent that made his dad famous. Opening alongside captain Lakshya Raichandani, the right-hander wasted no time settling in, racing to 16 off his first 14 balls during the Powerplay.
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Aaryavir struck five crisp boundaries in a quick-fire 28 off 26 deliveries before falling to Spencer Green just as he looked to extend his stay. Despite missing out on a half-century, his positive intent laid a solid blueprint for India’s innings, pushing the team to 45 runs in the first six overs.
Mid-Innings Stutter and Dravid’s Fireworks
Following Aaryavir’s dismissal, India suffered a quick mid-innings collapse. Skipper Raichandani (15), Kushagra Ojha (16), and Arjun Rajput (15) fell in short succession, leaving India struggling at 88/4 in the 12th over.
That brought Anvay Dravid to the crease. The wicketkeeper-batter—son of former India captain and head coach Rahul Dravid—produced an innings completely at odds with his father’s notoriously patient style. After starting with a single to get off the mark, Anvay unleashed absolute mayhem on the Australian bowling attack.
Operating at a blistering strike rate of 211.11, Anvay smashed 38 off just 18 balls, laced with two fours and three towering sixes. Partnering with Yashbardhan Chauhan (54 off 34), Dravid Jr. put on a dynamic 69-run stand for the fifth wicket to completely tilt the momentum back to India. By the time Eli Brain bowled Anvay in the 18th over, India had crossed the 150-mark and eventually set an imposing target of 182/6.
Australia’s Valiant Chase Falls Short
Chasing 183 in 20 overs, Australia U19 put up a spirited fightback. Openers Neel Patel (45 off 31) and Hayden Barbulovic (40 off 24) provided a explosive foundation, before captain Jack Czosnek took full command of the chase with a sensational 27-ball 55.
With Australia looking poised to pull off the win, India’s bowlers tightened the screws in the death overs. Yashbardhan Chauhan capped an outstanding all-round performance by taking 2/28 in his four overs, including the crucial breakthrough of Czosnek in the 19th over. Deprived of their skipper in the final moments, Australia was restricted to 175/7, handing India a nail-biting seven-run triumph to lead the series 1-0.
