India’s Under-19 cricket team continued their dominance over Australia in the three-match youth ODI series, securing a convincing nine-wicket victory in the second match on Monday. This victory gives India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. The hero of the match was opener Sahil Parakh, who blasted an aggressive unbeaten century, showcasing his talent and power hitting.
Parakh’s remarkable innings of 109 not out, achieved off just 75 balls with 14 boundaries and 5 sixes, propelled India towards their target of 177 runs. He formed a formidable partnership of 153 runs with Abhigyan Kundu, who also remained unbeaten on 53 runs, to seal the victory for India in just 22 overs. Earlier, India had won the first match by seven wickets on Saturday.
The Australian Under-19 team, despite some promising starts, were unable to build substantial partnerships, ultimately getting bowled out for 176 runs in 49.3 overs. Indian bowlers, led by Karnataka’s Samarth Nagaraj (2/34), Kerala’s Mohammed Enaan (2/30), and off-spinner Kiran Chormale (2/29), shared six wickets between them, effectively restricting the Australian batting line-up. Addison Sheriff, the Australian middle-order batter, top-scored with 39 runs from 61 balls, but it was not enough to challenge India’s strong performance.
The third and final match of the series will be played on Thursday. Both teams will then travel to Chennai for two unofficial ‘Tests’ beginning on September 30.
