India’s rising star Vaibhav Suryavanshi delivered a blistering performance to power India Under-19 to a six-wicket victory over England Under-19 in the opening match of the five-match Youth ODI series at the County Ground on Friday.
The 14-year-old opener dazzled with a rapid-fire 48 off just 19 deliveries, peppering the boundary with five sixes and three fours, and scoring at an eye-watering strike rate of 252.63. His explosive knock laid the foundation for a 71-run opening stand alongside skipper Ayush Mhatre, who contributed a steady 21 from 30 balls with four boundaries.
The pair took just 45 balls to post the first-wicket partnership before Mhatre was dismissed by AM French in the eighth over.
Chasing a modest target of 175, India made light work of the total, cruising to 178/4 in just 24 overs. Apart from Suryavanshi’s fireworks, Abhigyan Kundu chipped in with an unbeaten 45 off 34 balls, which included four boundaries and a six, ensuring a comfortable finish for the visitors.
Among England’s bowlers, AM French emerged as the most successful, claiming 2/46 from his six overs. Jack Home (1/50 in 5 overs) and Ralphie Albert (1/25 in 4 overs) took a wicket apiece but failed to halt the Indian chase.
Earlier, England were bowled out for 174 in 42.2 overs. Rocky Flintoff top-scored with a patient 56 from 90 deliveries, while Issac Mohammed added a quickfire 42 off 28 balls to provide some resistance.
India’s bowling unit was led by Kanishk Chouhan, who delivered an impressive spell of 3/20 from 10 overs, including a maiden. He was well supported by Henil Patel (2/41 in 8.2 overs), RS Ambrish (2/24 in 6 overs), and Mohamed Enan (2/37 in 10 overs), who all chipped in with two wickets apiece.
Brief scores:
England U19: 174 all out in 42.2 overs (Rocky Flintoff 56, Issac Mohammed 42; Kanishk Chouhan 3/20)
India U19: 178/4 in 24 overs (Vaibhav Suryavanshi 48, Abhigyan Kundu 45*; AM French 2/46)
India now leads the series 1-0.
