Vaibhav Suryavanshi could not replicate his heroics from the second Youth ODI as the Indian opener was dismissed cheaply in the third and final game against Australia U19 in Brisbane. The 14-year-old, who had scored a match-defining 70 in the previous encounter, managed only 16 runs from 20 deliveries on Friday. Suryavanshi did give fans a glimpse of his power-hitting, striking two sixes early in his innings. However, his attempt to accelerate further backfired, as he was caught after mistiming a shot. His dismissal came shortly after his opening partner Ayush Mhatre fell for just 4 runs, leaving India in early trouble and disappointing fans who had hoped for another commanding innings from the teenage prodigy, who earlier this year became the youngest centurion in IPL history. India, having already sealed the series 2-0 with victories in the first two matches, went into the third game with an eye on a clean sweep. Captain Mhatre won the toss and chose to bat first, with expectations again high on Suryavanshi following his record-breaking exploits in the second ODI. In that game, Suryavanshi had broken Unmukt Chand’s long-standing record for most sixes in Youth ODI cricket, blasting six maximums in his 70-run knock. His second-wicket partnership with Vihaan Malhotra had been the turning point, setting up India’s imposing total of 301. Friday, however, belonged to Australia’s bowlers, who tightened their lines after the early dismissals of Mhatre and Suryavanshi. The short stay of India’s openers highlighted the challenges of adapting quickly at the international youth level, but Suryavanshi’s earlier performances have already underlined his potential as one of India’s most exciting batting prospects.
