India U19 Secures Series Victory with Dominant Win Over South Africa

India U19's Commanding Performance in Benoni

Benoni [South Africa], January 7: The India U19 cricket team showcased an impressive all-round performance, defeating South Africa U19 by a staggering 233 runs in the third Youth ODI, thereby clinching the series 3-0.

India set a formidable target of 393 runs, scoring 393/7 in their allotted 50 overs. The bowlers then executed their plans flawlessly, restricting the South African batsmen and bowling them out for just 160 runs in 35 overs.

Kishan Singh was the standout bowler, achieving remarkable figures of 3 wickets for just 15 runs in four overs, dismantling the top order. Mohammed Enaan also contributed significantly with 2 wickets for 36 runs, while every other bowler, including captain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who took 1 wicket for 10 runs in two overs, played a role in the victory.

South Africa's choice to bat second proved detrimental as they faced immediate pressure. Opener Jorich van Schalkwyk was dismissed for just 1 run, becoming Kishan Singh's first wicket. Singh continued his onslaught by removing Lethabo Phahlamohlaka for a duck, and Henil Patel followed suit by taking out Muhammed Bulbulia for 4 runs. Adnaan Lagadien, who opened with van Schalkwyk, fell for 9 runs, leaving South Africa struggling at 4/15 within the first five overs.

Although the Proteas managed to reach 50 runs in 10.1 overs, their momentum quickly faded as Jason Rowles was dismissed for 19. Daniel Bosman attempted to stabilize the innings with a score of 40 off 60 balls, but his resistance ended when he was dismissed by RS Ambrish.

Paul James emerged as South Africa's leading scorer with a resilient 41 runs off 49 balls, but Mohammed Enaan ended his innings. India maintained relentless pressure throughout the middle overs, swiftly claiming the last three wickets for just 23 runs. Captain Sooryavanshi sealed the victory by dismissing Ntando Soni for 6 runs.

Earlier in the match, India U19's openers, Aaron George and skipper Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, both scored centuries, propelling the team to 393/7 in their final ODI against South Africa U19.

In the series, Sooryavanshi emerged as the top scorer with 206 runs at an impressive average of 68.66 and a strike rate exceeding 187, including one century and one fifty.

South Africa won the toss and chose to field first. India capitalized on this decision, with George and Sooryavanshi (127 runs off 74 balls, featuring nine fours and ten sixes at a strike rate of 171.62) forming an unbeaten 227-run opening partnership.

George contributed 118 runs off 106 balls, including ten fours, and formed a 52-run partnership with Vedant Trivedi (34 runs off 42 balls, with one four).

This emphatic victory highlighted India U19's dominance throughout the series, culminating in a clean sweep with a commanding performance in both batting and bowling.

Despite a late collapse to 335/7 in 43.2 overs, Mohamed Enaan (28* off 19 balls, with one four and two sixes) and Henil Patel (19* off 21 balls, with one four) combined for a crucial half-century partnership, propelling India into the 390s.

For South Africa, Ntando Soni (3 wickets for 61 runs in eight overs) and Jason Rowles (2 wickets for 59 runs in nine overs) were the standout bowlers.

In his 18 Youth ODIs, Sooryavanshi has amassed 973 runs in 18 innings, averaging 54.05 with a strike rate of 164.08, including three centuries and four fifties, with a highest score of 171.