India U19 dominate Australia U19

India U19 displayed a dominant performance to outclass Australia U19 by seven wickets in the first Youth ODI at Ian Healy Oval on Sunday. Teen sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi sparked the innings, while Abhigyan Kundu and Vedant Trivedi’s unbeaten half-centuries sealed a comfortable win for the visitors.

Australia, electing to bat first, could manage only 225 for nine, largely due to disciplined Indian bowling. Henil Patel (3/38), Kanishk Chouhan (2/39), and Kishan Kumar (2/59) led the attack, supported by RS Ambrish (1/50). Charles Lachmund picked up two crucial wickets for the hosts. John James provided resistance with a counterattacking unbeaten 77 off 68 balls, while Tom Hogan (41 off 81) and Steven Hogan (39 off 82) struggled under the pressure of tight Indian lines.

Chasing a modest target, India got off to a blazing start with 14-year-old Suryavanshi smashing 38 off 22 balls, including seven fours, in a 50-run opening stand with captain Ayush Mhatre. However, Australia struck back in quick succession, removing Mhatre and Suryavanshi to leave India at 75 for three in the 10th over. Vihaan Malhotra (9) also fell cheaply, giving the hosts a brief glimmer of hope.

It was then that Kundu and Trivedi combined for an unbroken 152-run partnership that completely shifted the momentum. Kundu’s aggressive 74-ball knock, featuring five sixes and eight fours, and Trivedi’s composed 61 off 69 deliveries guided India to a commanding win in just 30.3 overs, with 117 balls to spare.

Lachmund finished as Australia’s most successful bowler with 2/46, but the disciplined Indian bowling and powerful batting proved decisive. India’s young guns showcased a mix of aggression, composure, and teamwork, sending a strong message ahead of the Youth ODI series.