Yashbardhan Chauhan's 122 & 2 wickets seal India U-19 series vs Australia
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Yashbardhan Chauhan delivered a stunning all-round display — a blazing 122 off 100 balls followed by 2 wickets — as India Under-19 crushed Australia Under-19 by 103 runs in the second Youth ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot, on 21 September 2026. The comprehensive victory sealed the three-match series for the hosts with one game still to play.
India's Commanding Total
Electing to bat first, India Under-19 posted a formidable 341/7 in their allotted 50 overs. Opener Aaryavir Sehwag provided a brisk start with 47 off 48 balls before captain Lakshay Raichandani fell early for 11. The innings truly ignited when Chauhan and VK Vineeth combined for a commanding 132-run partnership off 124 balls for the third wicket.
Chauhan was in sublime touch, striking 15 boundaries and two sixes at a strike-rate of 122 — his second fifty-plus score in as many matches in the series. Vineeth offered ideal support with 87 off 92 balls, clearing the fence six times alongside four boundaries. After Vineeth's departure in the 40th over with the score at 233/3, Kushagra Ojha added a quickfire 34 off 20 balls, helping India plunder 106 runs in the final ten overs. Thomas Vaseo was the pick of the Australian bowlers with figures of 3-78.
Australia's Chase Unravels
Chasing a daunting target of 342, Australia Under-19 showed early resistance. Captain Jack Czosnek anchored the reply with a fighting 81 off 63 balls, laden with seven fours and four sixes, while Matthew Lough contributed 42 off 40 balls. The pair stitched a 99-run stand off 82 balls for the fourth wicket after Australia had slipped to 72/3, briefly keeping the visitors in contention.
The turning point arrived in the 27th over when Kavya Paresh Patel dismissed the dangerous Czosnek. Australia capitulated spectacularly from that point, losing their last six wickets for just 38 runs. Blake Cattle offered late resistance with a gritty 44 off 46 balls — including five fours and a six — but Australia were eventually bowled out for 238 in 41.1 overs.
India's Bowling Firepower
Spinner Chigurupati Venkata was the standout bowler with figures of 3-64, while Chauhan capped a stellar day with 2-56. Patel was exceptionally economical, claiming 2-23 from just seven overs, and Mohit Ulva chipped in with 1-19.
Series Sealed with a Game to Spare
Notably, this marks a significant statement from an India U-19 side that has dominated both matches of the series so far. The clinical win at Rajkot reflects the depth of talent in Indian age-group cricket, with Chauhan's twin contributions the centrepiece of a top-to-bottom team effort. The third and final Youth ODI now becomes a dead rubber, giving India's management an opportunity to experiment. Brief Scores: India Under-19 341/7 (Yashbardhan Chauhan 122, VK Vineeth 87; Thomas Vaseo 3-78) beat Australia Under-19 238 all out (Jack Czosnek 81, Blake Cattle 44; Chigurupati Venkata 3-64) by 103 runs.