India U-19 lose final youth ODI, clinch series 3-2 against England
India U-19 wrapped up the five-match series with a 3-2 win despite a heavy defeat in the final ODI. England chased down a modest 211 with ease, riding on strong knocks from Mayes, Dawkins, and Rew.
- Jul 08, 2025,
- Updated Jul 08, 2025, 10:08 AM IST
The Indian U-19 team fell short of ending the series on a winning note, suffering a seven-wicket defeat to England U-19 in the fifth and final Youth ODI on July 7. Despite the loss, the series had already been sealed in India’s favour, with the visitors taking an unassailable 3-1 lead following a commanding 55-run victory in the fourth ODI on July 5.
India opted to bat, producing a below-par batting effort to conjure just 210 for 9, which the the hosts chased down with consummate ease with 113 balls to spare.
India endured a disastrous start, losing skipper Ayush Mhatre (1) and Vihaan Malhotra (1) inside three overs with the scoreboard reading 9.
Teen sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi (33 off 42) could not produce his attacking prowess but stitched vital 51 runs with Rahul Kumar (21) to stabilise the innings.
Just when the partnership was flourishing Suryavanshi departed, handing a catch to Alex Green off the bowling of Sebastian Morgan. He struck three fours and two sixes during his brief stay.
Rahul Kumar too didn’t last long, handing a catch to BJ Dawkins off the bowing of Green.
Wickets continued to tumble for India as wicketkeeper Harvnash Pangalia (24), Kanishk Chauhan (24) and Deepesh Devendran (0) were dismissed in quick succession.
RS Ambrish turned out to be the lone bright spot in India’s batting department as he held one end up with a gritty 66 off 81 balls with the help of six boundaries.
The English bowlers got the better of the Indian batting as they restricted the visitors to a below-par total.
Chasing the paltry score, England rode on Ben Mayes’ unbeaten 82, BJ Dawkins’ 66 and skipper Thomas Rew’s unbeaten 37-ball 49 to overhaul the target easily.
Mayes struck 11 boundaries and one six during his 76-ball knock, while Dawkins hit nine fours and three hits over the fence in his 53-ball stay.
Skipper Rew was not to be left behind as he too scored quickly, piling up his runs with the help of seven fours and one six.
For India, leg-spinner Naman Pushpak picked up two wickets for 65 runs, while Deepesh Devendran scalped one giving away 34 of his seven overs.
Brief Scores: India U-19: 210 for 9 in 50 overs (RS Ambrish 66; Ralphie Albert 2/24, Alex French 2/37).
England U-19: 211 for 3 in 31.1 overs (Ben Mayes 82 not out, BJ Dawkins 66; Naman Pushpak 2/65).