India's Under-19 cricket team delivered a commanding performance to secure a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over South Africa U19 in the second Youth ODI in Benoni on Monday. The win, achieved via the DLS method, gave the visiting side an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series with one game left to play.
Suryavanshi's Blitzkrieg Sets Up Chase
After rain interrupted play, India was set a revised target of 174 runs to win from 27 overs. The chase was ignited by a spectacular innings from captain Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who smashed an astonishing 68 runs from just 24 deliveries. His knock, which included a staggering 10 sixes and one four, brought up his half-century in a mere 19 balls. Alongside opener Aaron George (20 off 19), Suryavanshi took the score to 67/1 in 6.1 overs, effectively ending the contest early.
"Suryavanshi's assault was breathtaking. He took the game away from South Africa in the powerplay itself," a cricket analyst noted. His fireworks ensured India raced to 103/2 by the 10th over before he was dismissed by Michael Kruiskamp.
Composed Finish and South Africa's Bowling Effort
With the platform firmly laid, Vedant Trivedi (31*) and Abhigyan Kundu (48*) guided India home without any further alarms. The pair showed great composure to reach the target in only 23.3 overs, winning with 21 balls to spare.
For the Proteas youth side, Michael Kruiskamp was the only bowler to find success, finishing with excellent figures of 2 for 23 from his six overs. He claimed the wickets of both Indian openers but lacked support from the other end as the Indian batters dominated.
Rowles' Century in Vain as Indian Bowlers Shine
Earlier, after being put in to bat, South Africa U19 were bowled out for 245 in 49.3 overs. Their innings was built around a fine century from Jason Rowles, who scored 114 runs from 113 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes. He shared a 97-run second-wicket partnership with Daniel Bosman, who contributed 31.
However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to capitalize. The Indian bowling attack, led by Kishan Singh's 4 for 46 in 8.3 overs, kept chipping away at the wickets. RS Ambrish provided strong support with 2 for 47, while Kanishk Chouhan and Khilan Patel took a wicket each to bundle out the hosts.
The third and final ODI of the series, now a dead rubber, will be played at the same venue. India will be aiming for a clean sweep (3-0) to continue building momentum ahead of future youth tournaments.
