India U-19 Denied Victory as England U-19 Forces Draw in Youth Test

Beckenham, England, July 16 (PTI) — A gripping day of cricket unfolded as the India Under-19 team was denied a series lead, with the first Youth Test against England Under-19 concluding in a tense draw. Despite a challenging target of 350, England wrapped up their innings at 270/7 from 63 overs, resisting India's ambitions to take the upper hand in this two-match series.

Leading the resilience for England was their captain, Hamza Shaikh, who crafted an impressive century, scoring 112 from 140 deliveries, embellished with 11 boundaries and two sixes. His knock anchored the side amid India's attempts to press home an advantage. Substantial support came from Ben Mayes, contributing a sturdy 51 off 82 balls, and the wicketkeeper-batsman Thomas Rew, providing a quick-fire 50 from just 35 balls.

The match swayed early when India reduced England to 62/3 within the 14th over, hinting at a possible win, but each time England found a retort, largely through the partnerships Shaikh built with Mayes and Rew.

The final hour saw India reignite hope by executing two crucial run-outs in consecutive overs, claiming the wickets of Shaikh and Ekansh Singh. However, Ralphie Albert (9 not out from 37 balls) and Jack Home (7 not out from 36 balls) held their ground with remarkable poise. India's all-out attacking field with close-in fielders, including two slips, a silly point, and a short leg, couldn’t breach the English defense as Albert and Home saw the game through to a draw.

Earlier in the day, India U-19 resumed their second innings at 128/3, setting a daunting target with a total of 248 in 57.4 overs.

Vihaan Malhotra led with the bat, scoring a measured 63 off 85 balls, which included 10 fours. Yet, wickets from Alex Green disrupted India's progress before vital contributions down the order, especially from RS Ambrish who added 53 off 71 balls, ensured a solid score. Ambrish was India's last wicket to fall through a run-out, concluding their innings.

Prior to this Test, the India U-19 team, led by Ayush Mhatre, secured a 3-2 victory in the five-match Youth ODI series.

In summary: India U-19 set scores of 540 & 248 in 57.4 overs. England U-19 replied with 439 & 270/7 in 63 overs (Hamza Shaikh 112, Ben Mayes 51, Thomas Rew 50; RS Ambrish 2/48). Match drawn.

(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)