Sehwag watches his son Aaryavir make his India U-19 debut.
| Photo Credit: Shayan Acharya
India U-19 held its nerve to edge Australia U-19 by seven runs in a tense, rain-shortened Youth ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium here on Friday, with Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan starring with both bat and ball. He top-scored with 54 off 34 balls (5×4, 2×6) before returning to claim two crucial wickets.
After heavy rain reduced the contest to 20 overs a side, India posted 182 for six. Inserted to bat, India was 88 for four before Yashbardhan and Anvay Dravid steadied the innings with a 69-run fifth-wicket partnership. Anvay, the younger son of Rahul Dravid, smashed 38 off 18 balls (2×4, 3×6) before being bowled by Eli Brain while Yashbardhan stayed on to complete his half-century.
There was a touch of nostalgia, too. Years after Virender Sehwag and Dravid shared the India dressing room, their sons were together in National colours at the U-19 level. On his debut, Aaryavir Sehwag (28) showed flashes of his father’s attacking strokeplay, but fell to Spencer Green. As Aaryavir tried to take on the Australian attack, Sehwag watched on from the stands, following every shot.
Australia made a strong start to the chase, with Neel Patel and Hayden Barbulovic adding 58 for the opening wicket. But Yashbardhan broke the stand, having Barbulovic (40) stumped by Anvay, and also removed Neel for 45.
Jack Czosnek’s 55 off 27 balls (6×4, 3×6) kept Australia in the hunt while Arjun Rajput dismissed Zed Hollick before C. Venkata removed Czosnek. Australia needed 11 off the final over, but Mohit Ulva kept his cool to guide India home.
The scores: India U-19 182/6 in 20 overs (Yashbardhan Chauhan 54, Anvay Dravid 38) bt Australia U-19 175/7 in 20 overs (Neel Patel 45, Haydev Barbulovic 40, Jack Czosnek 55). Toss: Australia; PoM: Yashbardhan.
Published – September 18, 2026 08:05 pm IST
