Chasing a target of 350, England’s innings ended on 270 for the loss of seven, frustrating the visitors’ push for a win that would have given them a 1-0 lead in the two-match Youth Test series.
England U-19 captain Hamza Shaikh led from the front with a fighting century of 112 off 140 balls with 11 fours and two sixes, as the hosts held India U-19 to a tense draw in the first Youth Test.
Chasing a stiff target of 350 England U-19 were in trouble at 62 for three in the 14th over and are in danger of a collapse but the hosts put on a fought back through the partnership with Ben Mayes who struck a steady 51 off 82 balls (3x4s) and wicketkeeper-batter Thomas Rew who chipped in with a brisk 50 off just 35 balls (8x4s), frustrating the visitors’ push for a win that would have given them a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
With an hour left on the final day, India gave itself hope by pulling off two run outs in successive overs — first removing the prized wicket of Shaikh and then sending back Ekansh Singh in the next over.
But Ralphie Albert (9 not out of 37 balls) and Jack Home (7 not out off 36 balls) showed calm composure in a pressure situation where India threw everything at them with closing fielders all around them, but the English pair held their nerves to survive the final overs and secure a hard-fought draw.
Vihaan Malhotra was the highest scorer, with a 63 off 85 balls in the Indian innings.
India U-19, led by Ayush Mhatre, had earlier claimed the five-match Youth ODI series 3-2.
