India Under-19 secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Youth ODI series against Australia Under-19 following a 103-run win at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. Yashbardhan Chauhan recorded a century and two wickets to earn his second consecutive Player of the Match award.
India posted 341/7 after being sent in to bat. Chauhan scored 122 off 100 balls, including 15 fours and two sixes. He shared a 132-run third-wicket partnership with VK Vineeth, who scored 87 off 92 deliveries with six sixes. At the top of the order, Aaryavir Sehwag contributed 47 runs off 48 balls before he was run out.
An analysis of the innings indicates India’s middle-order acceleration was a factor in the final result, as the hosts added 106 runs in the last 10 overs. Australia’s bowling discipline also impacted the total, with the visitors conceding 21 wides during the 50 overs.
Australia’s chase was led by captain Jack Czosnek, who top-scored with 81 off 63 balls. Despite reaching 171/4, the visitors lost their final six wickets for 67 runs to be bowled out for 238. Chauhan contributed with the ball, taking 2/56, while Kushagra Ojha and other Indian bowlers maintained pressure throughout the second innings.
The performance follows specific technical adjustments for Chauhan. His father, Anami Singh Chauhan, stated: “He was not happy with his performance in Sri Lanka and that’s why he decided to attend camps organised by MPCA in Indore.”
India U-19 captain Lakshya Raichandani reflected on the series win, saying: “It is a great opportunity; it’s an honour to be a captain for the Indian team.”
The third and final Youth ODI will be held on September 23 at the same venue. The teams will then move to the red-ball leg of the tour, with the first multi-day match scheduled to begin on September 27. Chauhan is designated to lead the Indian side during the multi-day matches.
