Yashbardhan, Dravid shine as India U-19 battles past Australia U-19 in rain-hit ODI

File photo: Anvay, Rahul Dravid’s younger son, made 38 off 18 balls before medium-pacer Eli Brain cleaned him up. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan had a day to remember at the Niranjan Shah Stadium on Friday. He first held India Under-19’s innings together with a 54 off 34 balls and then returned to take two important wickets as India beat Australia U-19 by seven runs in a rain-curtailed Youth ODI.

After heavy rain reduced the contest to 20 overs a side, India posted 182 for six. It was a tricky innings at one stage, with the Australian spinners keeping the batters in check and India reduced to 88 for four. Chauhan and Anvay Dravid then steadied the innings with a 69-run fifth-wicket partnership.

Anvay, Rahul Dravid’s younger son, played a composed hand before accelerating late. He made 38 off 18 balls before medium-pacer Eli Brain cleaned him up. Chauhan stayed on to complete his half-century and ensured India finished with a competitive total.

There was a touch of nostalgia around the afternoon, too. Years after Virender Sehwag and Dravid shared the India dressing room, their sons were together in India colours - this time at the U-19 level.

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Aaryavir Sehwag made his India U-19 debut and showed flashes of his father’s attacking strokeplay, taking on the Australian bowlers before being caught at long-off off Spencer Green, scoring 28 off 26 balls. Sehwag watched from the stands, following his son’s every move.

Australia started positively on a good batting surface, with Neel Patel and Hayden Barbulovic adding 58 for the opening wicket. Neel, who has roots in Gujarat, looked assured, and Australia appeared well placed in the chase.

Chauhan changed that, having Barbulovic stumped by Anvay before removing Neel for 45, five short of his half-century.

Australia stayed in the contest through captain Jack Czosnek (55, 27b) and Zed Hollick, who rebuilt after the openers’ departure. Arjun Rajput dismissed Hollick before a sharp run-out of Eli Brain further dented Australia’s chase.

With Czosnek closing the gap with a few big hits, C. Venkata held his nerve to dismiss the Australian captain. Australia needed 11 runs in the final over, but Mohit Ulva kept his composure to seal a convincing Indian victory.