After a couple of disappointing outings, Lakshya Raichandani stepped up when it mattered most. His unbeaten 110 (106b, 9×4, 3×6) helped India Under-19 beat Australia by six wickets and complete a clean sweep in the three-match Youth ODI series.
The India captain had failed to convert his starts in the first two games, but on Wednesday, Lakshya responded with a composed hundred at the Niranjan Shah Stadium. He first added 58 with Aaryavir Sehwag, then 85 with Kushagra Ojha for the third wicket, keeping India firmly on course.
As it happened |IND vs AUS, 3rd Y-ODI highlights
Chasing 255, India started briskly, with Aaryavir and Lakshya taking on an Australian attack that struggled for answers. While Lakshya anchored the chase, Aaryavir struck five fours and looked set for more before mistiming a Jacob Pietz delivery to give Matthew Lough a regulation catch at long-on.
V.K. Vineeth failed to get going, but Lakshya kept the chase moving, accelerating whenever the opportunity arose. Even after Kushagra’s dismissal, he held firm as Rajat Baghel, who came in for Anvay Dravid, provided a cameo of 34-ball-44 (5×4, 2×6).
Opting to bat on a flat deck, Australia made a strong start as Zed Hollick (87, 88b, 12×4) and Neel Patel (51, 71b, 1×4) scored gritty fifties and added 62 for the second wicket. The partnership was beginning to put India under pressure before debutant and local boy Aryan Savsani broke it by removing Hollick.
That opened the door for India’s pacers. Mohit Ulva and Manal Chauhan claimed three wickets apiece as Australia lost wickets in clusters and failed to rebuild.
With the series already sealed, India rested a few regulars. The pacers did their job, and Lakshya stood firm as the home side romped home with more than eight overs to spare.
Published on Sep 23, 2026
