Ayush Mhatre lit up the second Youth Test between India U19 and England U19 with a breathtaking century, but persistent rain and bad light denied the hosts a memorable victory as the match ended in a draw on Wednesday. With this result, both Youth Tests concluded without a winner, while India edged the preceding one-day series 3-2.
Chasing a formidable 355 in just 65 overs, India gave the visitors a serious scare before the weather had the final say. Mhatre’s attacking 126 off just 80 balls — studded with 13 boundaries and three sixes — was the centerpiece of a spirited chase that saw India finish at 290 for six in 40 overs, just 65 runs short of the target.
The chase began on a sour note, with Vaibhav Suryavanshi falling to England pacer Alex Green off the very first ball. But Mhatre, joined by Vihaan Malhotra (27), steadied the innings and counter-attacked brilliantly. The duo added 100 runs for the second wicket in just 13.5 overs, setting the tone for an aggressive approach.
After Malhotra’s departure, Mhatre found another reliable partner in Abhigyan Kundu, who smashed 65 off 46 balls. Together, they added 117 runs in just 13 overs, taking India to 217 for two in 26.3 overs and firmly putting the match in the home side’s control.
However, Mhatre’s dismissal to left-arm spinner Ralphie Albert, who claimed four for 76, opened a window for England. The visitors grabbed three wickets in quick succession, reducing India to 263 for six. Harvansh Pangalia (29*) and Kanishk Chouhan (12*) carried India closer, but their effort was cut short as bad light and heavy rain ended play prematurely.
Earlier in the day, England resumed their second innings on 93 without loss and built on the strong start through BJ Dawkins (136 off 184) and Adam Thomas (91 off 132). The openers stitched together a mammoth 188-run stand. Following their dismissals, England raced to 324 for five declared, setting India a daunting target with just over a session left in the match.
Pacer Aditya Rawat impressed for India with a four-wicket haul in the second innings, but it was Mhatre’s bat that nearly turned the tide. Ultimately, it was the weather that stole the show, and the result, on what could have been a historic final day for India U19.
Brief scores:
England U19: 309 & 324/5 declared (BJ Dawkins 136, Adam Thomas 91; Aditya Rawat 4/80)
India U19: 279 all out & 290/6 in 43 overs (Ayush Mhatre 126, Abhigyan Kundu 65; Ralphie Albert 4/76)
Match Result: Draw.
