Anvay Dravid cameo and Yashbardhan Chauhan all-round show fire India U-19 to seven-run win over Australia in rain-hit Rajkot Youth ODI

India Under-19 held their nerve to edge Australia Under-19 by seven runs in a rain-shortened first Youth ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Friday, with Yashbardhan Chauhan's half-century and an explosive late cameo from Anvay Dravid proving decisive.

Rain reduced the contest to 20 overs per side, and after Australia captain Jack Czosnek won the toss and sent India in to bat, the hosts recovered from 88 for four in the 12th over to post a competitive 182 for six. Australia's chase fell agonisingly short at 175 for seven.

Sons of famous fathers share the spotlight

The match carried a strong storyline from the very first over. Aaryavir Sehwag, son of former India opener Virender Sehwag, marked his India U-19 debut by opening the innings alongside captain Lakshya Raichandani. The pair put on 45 for the first wicket, with Aaryavir making a steady 28 off 26 balls that included five fours. His father was present at the venue to watch him play.

Later in the innings, it was Anvay Dravid — son of former India captain Rahul Dravid — who provided the late push. Coming in at No. 6, Anvay smashed 38 off just 18 balls, striking two fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 211.11 to give India the late runs they needed. Anvay had previously represented India U-19 in the Youth ODI series in Sri Lanka earlier this year.

Chauhan's all-round show turns the game

India had been in trouble at 88 for four in the 12th over before Chauhan and Anvay came together. The pair added 69 runs to revive the innings, and India piled up 108 runs in their final 10 overs.

Chauhan top-scored with 54 off 34 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes, and then completed a fine all-round performance by claiming two wickets for 28 runs in his four overs — the best figures among India's bowlers.

Australia fall just short

Australia made a strong start to their chase through openers Neel Patel and Hayden Barbulovic. Patel hit 45 off 31 balls while Barbulovic blazed 40 off 24, keeping the required rate in check. Captain Jack Czosnek then took up the chase with 55 off 27 balls.

But Czosnek's dismissal in the 19th over proved the turning point, ending Australia's hopes. They finished on 175 for seven, seven runs short, with Brain taking two for 29 for the visitors.

Brief scores

India Under-19s: 182 for 6 in 20 overs (Yashbardhan Chauhan 54, Anvay Dravid 38; Brain 2-29) beat Australia Under-19s: 175 for 7 in 20 overs (Jack Czosnek 55, Neel Patel 45, Hayden Barbulovic 40; Yashbardhan Chauhan 2-28) by seven runs.

With the first match of the series sealed in dramatic fashion, India will look to carry the momentum forward — and the early signs are that the next generation, complete with its famous surnames, has plenty to offer.