England U19 Clinch Consolation Win as India Seal Youth ODI Series 3–2 in Worcester

In a pulsating finish to the five-match Youth ODI series, England U19 defeated India U19 by seven wickets at New Road, Worcester, on July 7. Despite the defeat, India took the series 3–2, having already secured an unassailable lead.

Batting first after winning the toss, India U19 never got going. Skipper Ayush Mhatre fell early for a paltry 1, and the much-vaunted fireworks of 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi fizzled out in a whimper at 33. England bowlers, led by Ralphie Albert (2/24) and Alex French (2/37), kept India on a leash. Only RS Ambrish stood tall with a stoic unbeaten 66, which took India to a modest 210/9 in 50 overs.

England's chase was clinical. After an early loss, Ben Dawkins (66 off 53) and Ben Mayes (82* off 76) added 107 runs in a partnership that sucked the life out of the chase's spine. Captain Thomas Rew made an unbeaten 49, taking England to 211/3 in just 31.1 overs with 113 balls left.

While India’s Naman Pushpak picked up two wickets, the bowling lacked the sting seen earlier in the series. The absence of a big score from Suryavanshi, who had smashed a record-breaking 143 in the previous match, was felt.

The series showcased emerging talents on both sides. Suryavanshi’s explosive batting and Dawkins’ consistency were standout narratives. With the ODI leg concluded, both teams now look ahead to the Youth Test series.