PUDUCHERRY — A masterclass century from opener Yashbardhan Chauhan, complemented by an aggressive top-order contribution from Aaryavir Sehwag, propelled the India Under-19 team to an emphatic victory over Australia Under-19, sealing the youth multi-match series in commanding fashion.
Setting out to assert their dominance in the series decider, the young Indian lineup produced a thoroughly clinical batting performance. At the heart of the charge was Yashbardhan Chauhan, whose disciplined shot selection and effortless timing kept the Australian pace attack at bay throughout his stay. Chauhan paced his innings with remarkable maturity, rotating the strike during the middle overs before cutting loose in the final phase to reach a richly deserved three-figure milestone.
Providing early momentum at the other end was Aaryavir Sehwag, who chipped in with a brisk and entertaining 47. Showing clear flashes of his father Virender Sehwag’s trademark fearlessness, Aaryavir repeatedly pierced the infield with clean, attacking strokes inside the powerplay. His boundary-laden cameo stripped the Australian new-ball bowlers of their rhythm and established an ideal launchpad for the middle order.
Chauhan and Sehwag’s substantial opening stand ensured the hosts dictated terms from ball one. Australia struggled to find regular breakthroughs on a benign surface, as loose deliveries were promptly dispatched to the ropes. Even after Sehwag fell three runs short of a well-earned half-century, Chauhan remained the anchor, steering India toward an imposing total that ultimately batted the visitors out of the contest.
Australia’s pursuit never truly gained the required momentum. Faced with a steep asking rate against disciplined Indian bowling and razor-sharp ground fielding, the visitors lost wickets at regular intervals under pressure. The spinners dried up the boundary opportunities through the middle phase, ensuring Australia remained well adrift of the target.
With this comprehensive triumph, India U-19 not only claimed the bilateral trophy but also underscored the depth and readiness of their emerging talent pipeline as preparations continue for the upcoming international youth calendar.