India Clinches 2-1 Lead in U-19 ODI Series with Dominant Chase
A jaw-dropping innings from 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who hammered a rapid-fire 86 off just 31 balls, propelled India Under-19 to a thrilling four-wicket victory over England Under-19s in the third One-Day International in Northampton. The win gave India a 2-1 lead in the five-match youth ODI series.
Suryavanshi’s Record-Smashing Knock Leaves England Reeling
Suryavanshi, already a rising star with his earlier IPL heroics, delivered another statement performance by notching up the third-fastest half-century in India U-19 history, reaching the milestone in just 20 deliveries. His breathtaking innings featured six boundaries and nine towering sixes, sending England’s bowlers into panic mode.
By the time he was dismissed, India had already surged to 111/2 in only eight overs, laying a solid foundation for a comfortable chase of England’s target of 269 runs.
India’s Middle-Order Holds Firm After Mini Collapse
After Suryavanshi’s fireworks and Vihaan Malhotra’s steady 46 off 34 balls, India lost momentum briefly, losing three wickets for 30 runs. But the game was brought back under control by a calm and composed 75-run unbroken stand between Kanishk Chouhan (43)* and *RS Ambrish (31)**, which guided India to the win with 33 balls to spare.
England’s Rew Shines Again but India Prevails
Earlier, England’s Thomas Rew once again impressed with the bat, smashing an unbeaten 76 off 44 balls, which included nine fours and three sixes. This knock followed his majestic 131 in the previous game, proving his consistency. Rew’s efforts helped England post a competitive 268/6 in a match shortened to 40 overs due to morning showers.
Strong Start for England with Dawkins and Mohammed
Openers Ben Dawkins (62) and Isaac Mohammed (41) gave England a solid foundation with a 78-run stand. Dawkins, in particular, looked in control, striking eight fours and a six in his 61-ball innings. Mohammed capitalized on an early dropped chance and counterattacked by smashing two sixes in Deepesh Devendran’s expensive over.
India’s Bowlers Fight Back Mid-Innings
India clawed their way back through disciplined spells by offspinner Kanishk Chouhan (3/30) and Malhotra, who dismissed Mohammed with a smart caught-behind. The middle-order collapse saw England lose four wickets for just 35 runs, with Chouhan picking up the scalps of Dawkins, Mayes (31), and Rocky Flintoff (16).
Rew and Albert Stabilize Before Late Surge
Following the collapse, Rew and Ralphie Albert (21) stitched a critical 60-run partnership in 8.2 overs. Rew launched a late onslaught, smashing 21 runs off the penultimate over, including a gigantic six over midwicket, and displayed finesse with a range of sweeps, scoops, and cover drives to lift England close to 270.
Suryavanshi Wastes No Time in the Chase
India’s reply began with a bang, as Suryavanshi launched spinner Morgan for back-to-back sixes, including one that sailed out of the stadium. He also punished Minto and Morgan with ferocious striking, reaching India’s 50 in just 4.4 overs and bringing up his own half-century in style with his fifth six.
He continued his carnage by smashing another monster six that cleared the changing rooms and added a 50-run partnership with Malhotra off a mere 16 balls—Suryavanshi contributed 45 of those runs. His dazzling innings ended when he mistimed a pull off Wade to backward square-leg.
Middle-Order Keeps Composure Despite England’s Resistance
After Suryavanshi’s departure, the momentum briefly shifted. Chavda fell for a duck, and Malhotra’s promising innings ended when he chipped one back to Albert. Rahul Kumar (27) also fell after a handy partnership with Malhotra, while Harvansh Singh Pangalia (11) was bowled by Alex Green, making the chase tense.
Chouhan and Ambrish Seal the Win Under Pressure
Despite mounting pressure and fielding lapses by England—including two drops of Chouhan—India’s tail showed composure. Chouhan and Ambrish navigated the chase without taking unnecessary risks, ultimately sealing the win with more than five overs to spare.
Final Score Summary
India U-19: 274/6 in 34.3 overs
(Suryavanshi 86 off 31, Malhotra 46, Chouhan 43*, Wade 2/58)
England U-19: 268/6 in 40 overs
(Rew 76*, Dawkins 62, Mohammed 41, Chouhan 3/30)
