One Shot Wonder, Still Rolling: England Wins, But Vaibhav Stays in Focus

Image Source: Times Of India

In the fifth and final Youth ODI at New Road, Worcester, England U19 defeated India U19 by seven wickets, but the spotlight still remained on 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who made a modest 33 off 42 balls after his record-breaking century in the previous match.

Match report:

India decided to bat first and scored 210 for 9 in 50 overs, with RS Ambrish scoring an unbeaten 66 as the top scorer.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, after just smashing a 143-run onslaught in the fourth ODI, looked good at the beginning but was caught for 33, chopping a ball to deep third.

England's bowlers also shared in the spoils as Ralphie Albert and Alex French each picked up two wickets.

England's quest:

England finished the task in just 31.1 overs, scoring 211 for 3, and had 113 balls remaining.

Ben Dawkins started the proceedings with a smooth 66, supported by an undefeated 82 from Ben Mayes and 49 from Thomas Rew, made off 49 deliveries.

India's bowlers were unable to keep the English top order in check, with only Naman Pushpak and Deepesh Devendran breaking through.

Series outcome and follow-up measure:

Despite the loss, India had clinched the five-match series 3–2, having already secured an unassailable lead.

The teams then focus on red-ball cricket, where two Youth Tests will begin on July 12 at Beckenham.

When England saved face, Suryavanshi's subdued performance did little to tarnish the rising star's growing image in the youth cricket community.

Sources: NDTV Sports, Sportstar, India TV News, MSN Sports, ESPNcricinfo, The Hindu.