Rain cut the Youth ODI at Rajkot to 20 overs, turning the game into a sprint—India was sent in to bat by Aussie skipper Jack Czosnek, and the atmosphere was electric as the pitch glistened.
Opening the innings, Aaryavir Sehwag – Rahul Dravid’s son – paced 28 off 26, hitting five fours, while the first wicket fell early, leaving India at 45 for one.
At the 12th over, the run‑rate dipped and India found themselves 88 for 4, a precarious position that could have turned into a loss. But then Chauhan smacked a quick 54, and Anvay Dravid burst in, adding 38 from just 18 balls—two fours, three sixes, and a strike rate of 211.11—carrying the partnership to 69 runs and rescuing the innings.
Australia swung the momentum back with Neel Patel’s 45 off 31 and Hayden Barbulovic’s 40 off 24, and captain Jack Czosnek tallied 55 off 27, pushing the chase up to 175 for 6. Yet, in the 19th over, Czosnek was dismissed, a blow that dashed Australia’s hopes of a victory.
Chauhan finished with 2 wickets for 28 runs in four overs, completing a brilliant all‑round effort that proved decisive. Anvay’s explosive knock and the sharp partnership with Chauhan were the match’s turning points.
India will face Australia again on Saturday in the second Youth ODI of the series.