Anvay Dravid produced his maiden half-century in Youth ODI cricket with a fluent 87 as India U19 recovered from an early collapse to post 285 against Sri Lanka U19 in the second Youth ODI at Hambantota on Monday.
After opting to bat, India found themselves in trouble at 81-4 in the 19th over before Anvay and Arjun Rajput steadied the innings with a crucial 145-run stand for the fifth wicket.
Anvay, the son of India great Rahul Dravid, struck 87 off 67 balls, including nine fours and a six. He reached his fifty in just 47 deliveries and looked set for a maiden century before falling to left-arm pacer Gimhan Mendis.
Anvay, Rajput lead recovery
India’s middle order responded strongly after the top-order collapse, with Rajput contributing a composed 76 from 81 balls.
The partnership took India to 221 before Rajput was run out after a direct hit from Dimantha Mahavithana ended his innings.
Anvay then continued the counterattack, taking on Sri Lanka’s bowlers with aggressive strokeplay. He particularly targeted Chamika Heenatigala, smashing him for a six and a boundary in successive deliveries.
However, Mendis dismissed Anvay for 87, reducing India to 263-7 and ending hopes of a three-figure score.
Mendis claims five wickets
Sri Lanka finished strongly with the ball as Mendis starred with figures of 5-41.
India lost their final three wickets for just 22 runs and were eventually bowled out for 285 in 47.2 overs.
India entered the match with a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after chasing down 321 in the opening Youth ODI by four wickets. Anvay had managed only 14 runs in that game.
Discussion about this post