England U-19 team, led by captain Hamza Shaikh’s fighting century of 112 runs, secured a tense draw against India U-19 in the first Youth Test at Beckenham on Tuesday. Chasing a target of 350, England finished at 270/7 in 63 overs, preventing India from taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.Shaikh’s composed innings of 112 came off 140 balls, featuring 11 fours and two sixes. Ben Mayes contributed with a steady 51 off 82 balls, while wicketkeeper-batter Thomas Rew scored a quick 50 off just 35 balls.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!India initially had England struggling at 62/3 in the 14th over, but partnerships between Shaikh, Mayes, and Rew helped the hosts recover.The match reached a dramatic phase in the final hour when India executed two consecutive run-outs, dismissing Shaikh and Ekansh Singh.Ralphie Albert (9 not out off 37 balls) and Jack Home (7 not out off 36 balls) displayed remarkable composure under pressure, facing an aggressive Indian field setting with two slips, a silly point, and a short leg.
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India had started the day at 128 for three in their second innings and were bowled out for 248 in 57.4 overs. Vihaan Malhotra top-scored with 63 off 85 balls, including 10 fours.The Indian innings faced a setback when Alex Green claimed two quick wickets, removing both Malhotra and overnight partner Abhigyan Kundu. Rahul Kumar’s dismissal for 11 saw India slip from 171/3 to 187/6.RS Ambrish played a crucial innings of 53 off 71 balls, adding important runs with the tail before being run out as the last wicket.The final scores stood at India U-19 540 & 248 in 57.4 overs, while England U-19 scored 439 & 270/7 in 63 overs. RS Ambrish picked up 2/48 for India.This result follows India U19’s victory in the five-match Youth ODI series, which they won 3-2 under the leadership of Ayush Mhatre.