India’s Under-19 cricket team made a resounding start to their Youth ODI series against Australia, securing an emphatic seven-wicket victory in the opening match on Saturday. The match was eagerly anticipated as it marked the potential debut of Rahul Dravid’s elder son, Samit, for India U-19. However, it remains unclear whether Samit was dropped due to a combination issue or an injury.
Batting first, Australia struggled to build a substantial total, posting 184 in 49.4 overs. Right-arm leg-break bowler Mohamed Enaan was the standout performer for India, claiming four wickets for 32 runs in his 10-over spell. Steve Hogan (42) and Riley Kingsell (36) got starts but failed to convert them into substantial scores. A middle-order collapse ensued, with only No. 10 Thomas Brown’s 29 taking the Aussies past the 180-run mark.
In reply, India lost their top three batters for just 32 runs. However, right-handed batter K.P. Karthikeya and skipper Mohammed Amaan steadied the innings with a crucial 153-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Karthikeya, who remained unbeaten on 85, played a more attacking role, hitting nine fours and two sixes in his 99-ball knock. Amaan, on the other hand, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 58 off 89 deliveries, hitting five boundaries.
Karthikeya was particularly severe on right-arm seamer Aiden O’Connor, smashing him for four boundaries and a six. He also hit a six off Thomas Brown. India eventually chased down the target with 14 overs to spare, securing a comfortable victory.
The win gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second Youth ODI is scheduled to be played on September 23, 2024.
