Ayush Mhatre Smashes Third‑Fastest Youth Test Century as India U19 Almost Chase 355
On an electrifying final day at Chelmsford, India U19 captain Ayush Mhatre transformed the game by smashing a 126‑run blitz off just 80 balls—recording the third‑fastest Youth Test century in history, and overtaking Brendon McCullum’s strike‑rate mark of 108.41 with a staggering 121.17 SR. His six‑loaded innings came amid a daunting 355‑run chase, almost steering India to a stunning win before a late collapse sealed the result as a draw.
Record-Breaking Knock
Mhatre reached his ton in just 64 balls, placing him among Moeen Ali and Vaibhav Suryavanshi as the fastest centurions in Youth Test history. He unleashed 13 fours and 6 sixes, bringing India within tantalising reach of the target.
Match Context & Chase
England U19 had set India a formidable 355-run target. Despite being 0/1 early on, Mhatre’s aggression swung momentum massively. By lunch, India raced to 290/6 in only 43 overs, falling just 65 runs short when light and time ran out.
Supporting Contributions
Mhatre received support from:
- Vihaan Malhotra, who stitched a 100‑run stand with Mhatre before falling early.
- Abhigyan Kundu, who contributed a brisk 65 off 46 balls, helping maintain the chase’s tempo.
Late Collapse
Chasing aggressively took a toll. After Kundu’s dismissal, a sudden collapse saw India slip from 232/5 to 290/6. England spinner Ralphie Albert ran through the lower order, picking four quick wickets to secure the draw.
Historical Comparison
Mhatre’s innings was historically significant:
- Third‑fastest century in Youth Test history (64 balls).
- Only second batter after McCullum to score 200+ runs across innings at SR above 100.
- Most sixes in an India Youth Test innings (9), surpassing Manoj Tiwary’s previous record.
Impact & Next Steps
Though the result was a draw, Mhatre’s knock sent a strong message ahead of the next Youth Test matches. It showcased his potential to dominate high-pressure chases and set the tone for India’s batting unit. Coaches will look to build on this momentum and address middle‑order fragility.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Batter | Ayush Mhatre – 126 off 80 balls |
| Strike Rate | 121.17 |
| Key Partners | Malhotra (100+ stand), Kundu (65 off 46) |
| Collapse | India from 290/6 – collapse stifled chase |
| Result | Draw |
Disclaimer: This article is based on information compiled from online sources. Please verify independently before making any decisions based on it.
Thank you for visiting Cricket In Focus! Explore more in our U19 Cricket, India, and Latest Cricket Updates sections.
Discover more from Cricket In Focus
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
