The second-string India U19 side handed South Africa U19 a 25-run defeat in the rain-curtailed opening clash of the three-match Youth ODI series in Benoni on Sunday, January 4.
For the first time in over a year, India U19 took the field without Ayush Mhatre or Vihaan Malhotra, facing a full-strength South Africa side in their own backyard. The hosts put India under extreme pressure early on by removing skipper Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and makeshift opener Aaron George. Vedant Trivedi and Abhigyan Kundu both got starts but failed to convert them. They lost their wickets in quick succession, leaving India U19 at 67/4 and firmly in trouble.
Harvansh Pangalia and RS Ambrish then came to the rescue with a 140-run partnership. Although neither player has featured in many matches over the last six months, there were no signs of rustiness. Abhigyan, the team’s first-choice wicketkeeper, departed earlier, but Harvansh gave a strong account of himself by top-scoring with 93. Playing his first match after a long gap, Ambrish showed why he earned a World Cup spot despite missing the Asia Cup, scoring a fighting 65. Their fifth-wicket partnership laid a solid foundation for a 300-run total. Kanishk Chouhan and Khilan Patel added some late blows to ensure the team posted a competitive score.
The first innings also saw a bizarre lightning delay towards the end, although no overs were reduced.
Left-arm pacer JJ Basson was the standout performer with the ball for his team, finishing with four wickets in his 10-over spell.
With Kishan Kumar Singh and Udhav Mohan not playing, India had the opportunity to open the bowling with Deepesh Devendran. Usually, either Kishan or Udhav opens alongside Henil Patel, with Deepesh coming on as first change.
However, Deepesh struck early with the new ball, removing Adnaan Lagadien and Muhammed Bulbulia. Henil was leaking runs, which prompted Khilan to be introduced early into the attack. The left-arm spinner bagged a solitary wicket as the junior Proteas lost three wickets in the first ten overs.
Opener Jorich van Schalkwyk remained unbeaten on 60, while Armaan Manack was run out for a fluent 46 shortly before play was halted at 148/4.
The series-deciding second match will be played at the same venue on Monday, January 5.
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