India's Under-19 cricket team secured an unassailable lead in their five-match series against England, clinching the contest with a commanding seven-wicket victory in the fourth match at the St Xavier's College Ground in Thumba, Trivandrum. The win, fueled by a blistering, unbeaten half-century from Sachin Dhas, gave the hosts a decisive 3-1 lead with one game to spare.
Dhas Delivers a Demolition Job
Chasing a competitive target of 221, India's innings was anchored by a composed knock from captain Uday Saharan, who scored 58 runs off 78 balls. However, it was the explosive finish provided by Sachin Dhas that truly sealed the deal for the young Indian side. Coming in at a crucial juncture, Dhas played a breathtaking innings, smashing 68 runs off just 24 deliveries. His knock was a display of pure power-hitting, laced with 5 fours and an impressive 6 sixes, ensuring India romped home with a massive 22.5 overs to spare.
Opener Arshin Kulkarni also provided a solid start, contributing a well-made 39 runs to lay the foundation for the chase. The English bowlers had no answer to the onslaught, particularly from Dhas, as the Indian batters chased down the total with remarkable ease.
Moliya's All-Round Excellence Sets Up the Win
The foundation for India's comprehensive win was laid earlier by their bowlers, with all-rounder Priyanshu Moliya playing a starring role. Moliya was exceptional with the ball, registering figures of 4 for 32 in his 10 overs. His disciplined bowling applied consistent pressure on the English batting lineup, restricting their ability to build substantial partnerships.
Supporting him ably were left-arm spinner Musheer Khan and pacer Naman Tiwari, who picked up two wickets each. England's innings never quite found top gear, managing to post 220 runs before being bowled out in 48.2 overs. Opener Jaydn Denly top-scored with a patient 51, but the lack of significant acceleration in the middle overs proved costly.
Series Sealed with a Game in Hand
This victory marks a significant achievement for the India U19 team, showcasing their depth and talent ahead of future international assignments. The team displayed a balanced performance, with different players rising to the occasion across departments. The emphatic nature of the win, especially the dominant chase, will boost the squad's confidence immensely.
With the series now decided, the final match scheduled for Tuesday at the same venue in Trivandrum becomes a dead rubber. However, it presents an opportunity for both teams to test their bench strength and for players to make a final impression before the series concludes.
