Daijiworld Media Network - Hambantota
Hambantota, Jul 6: Anvay Dravid produced a composed and attacking innings of 87 to guide India Under-19 to a competitive total of 285 against Sri Lanka Under-19 cricket team in the second Youth ODI at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium on Monday.
After being asked to bat first, India found themselves in early trouble as regular wickets reduced them to 81/4 in the 19th over. The innings was revived by Anvay, son of former India captain Rahul Dravid, and Arjun Rajput, who combined for a vital 145-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
The 17-year-old Anvay displayed positive intent throughout his innings, reaching his maiden Youth ODI fifty in just 47 deliveries. He struck nine fours and a six during his 67-ball knock before falling for 87, narrowly missing out on a century. His innings came at a strike rate of 129.85 before left-arm pacer Gimhan Mendis dismissed him.
Rajput provided excellent support with a well-crafted 76 from 81 balls, but his innings ended in a run-out after a sharp piece of fielding by Dimantha Mahavithana.
India appeared set for a score well above 300 after Anvay's dismissal at 263/7, but the innings lost momentum as the final three wickets fell for just 22 runs. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 285 in 47.2 overs.
Gimhan Mendis emerged as Sri Lanka's standout bowler, claiming an impressive five-wicket haul and finishing with figures of 5/41.
Anvay has been one of India's promising performers at the junior level. He recently captained Karnataka in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, where he scored 220 runs, strengthening his prospects for selection in India's squad for the next Under-19 World Cup.
His elder brother, Samit Dravid, was earlier picked for India's Under-19 series against Australia but was ruled out because of a knee injury.
India Under-19 entered the second ODI with a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after successfully chasing 321 to register a four-wicket win in the opening match at the same venue.
Brief Scores: India Under-19 285 all out in 47.2 overs (Anvay Dravid 87, Arjun Rajput 76; Gimhan Mendis 5/41) vs Sri Lanka Under-19.