Anvay Dravid and Arjun Rajput hit half-centuries to rescue India U19; Sri Lanka set a target of 286

Hambantota: A brilliant, counter-attacking partnership between wicketkeeper-batter Anvay Dravid—son of Indian cricket icon Rahul Dravid—and Arjun Rajput guided India U19 to a competitive total of 285 against Sri Lanka U19 in the second Youth ODI on Monday.

After electing to bat first, the visitors found themselves in a precarious position, stumbling to 81-4 inside the first 19 overs. However, Dravid and Rajput combined for a crucial 145-run stand for the fifth wicket to completely rebuild the innings.

Dravid was the aggressor during his stay, reaching his maiden Youth ODI half-century off just 47 deliveries. He fell agonizingly short of a century, dismissed for a well-made 87 off 67 balls, an innings laced with nine boundaries and a maximum. Rajput provided stellar support with a steady 76 off 81 balls before being run out by a direct hit from Dimantha Mahavithana.

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Following Dravid's dismissal at 263-7, the lower order failed to capitalise, with India's final three wickets collapsing for just 22 runs to finish 285 all out in 47.2 overs. Left-arm speedster Gimhan Mendis was the standout bowler for the hosts, running through the Indian lineup to claim figures of 5-41.

India U19 currently hold a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, having successfully chased down a massive target of 321 to win the opening fixture by four wickets.

Brief Scores: * India U19: 285 all out in 47.2 overs (Anvay Dravid 87, Arjun Rajput 76; Gimhan Mendis 5/41) vs Sri Lanka U19. (PTI)