Kundu, Trivedi shine as India U19 beat Australia U19 by seven wickets in Youth ODI opener

Abhigyan Kundu scored 87 not out and Vedant Trivedi 61 as India U19 chased 226 to defeat Australia U19 by seven wickets in the first Youth ODI at Ian Healy Oval. Henil Patel led the bowling attack

Brisbane: Unbeaten fifties by Abhigyan Kundu and Vedant Trivedi powered India U19 to a commanding seven-wicket win over Australia U19 in the first Youth ODI at the Ian Healy Oval on Sunday.

Wicketkeeper-batter Kundu, later adjudged Player of the Match, struck a fluent 87 off 74 balls, including five sixes and eight fours, while Trivedi contributed a composed 61 off 69 deliveries with eight boundaries. Their unbroken 152-run partnership for the fourth wicket was key to India chasing 226 with 117 balls to spare, especially after an early wobble.

---

India’s chase began brilliantly with 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashing a quick 38 off just 22 balls, including seven fours. His aggressive strokeplay overshadowed skipper Ayush Mhatre’s six-run contribution in a 50-run opening stand, before both fell in quick succession to Hayden Schiller and Charles Lachmund.

Vihaan Malhotra was dismissed soon after for nine, leaving India at 75/3 in the 10th over. Trivedi and Kundu then steadied the innings with maturity and flair, ensuring Australia’s hopes of a comeback were short-lived.

Earlier, after electing to bat, Australia could only post 225/9, thanks to disciplined bowling from India. Henil Patel led the attack with 3-38, while Kanishk Chouhan (2-39), Kishan Kumar (2-59), and RS Ambrish (1-50) also took wickets.

The only noteworthy knock from Australia was by John James, who counterattacked with an unbeaten 77 off 68 balls, hitting six fours and a six after Australia slumped to 35/4 and later 107/6. Tom Hogan (41) and Steven Hogan (39) contributed but struggled to score quickly.

India now lead the Youth ODI series 1-0, with the next match at the same venue on Wednesday.

Brief scores:

Australia: 225/9 in 50 overs (John James 77 not out, Tom Hogan 41; Henil Patel 3-38, Kanishk Chouhan 2-39)

India: 227/3 in 30.3 overs (Abhigyan Kundu 87 not out, Vedant Trivedi 61 not out; Charles Lachmund 2-46, Hayden Schiller 1-59) – won by seven wickets