In a tense finish at Beckenham on Tuesday, England U19 captain Hamza Shaikh produced a match-saving century to help the hosts secure a hard-fought draw against India U19 in the opening Youth Test. Chasing a tough target of 350 on the final day, England finished on 270/7 in 63 overs, and held off India’s late charge keeping the two-match series level at 0-0.

Shaikh remained firm under pressure, stabilizing the innings with a brilliant 112 off 140 balls, studded with 11 fours and two sixes. His calm innings was the foundation of England’s resistance.

Middle-Order Stands Firm Under Pressure

Shaikh had good support from Ben Mayes, who accumulated 51 off 82 deliveries, and wicketkeeper Thomas Rew, whose elegant 50 from only 35 deliveries assisted in boosting the run rate. England were vulnerable as early as 62/3, but the Shaikh-Mayes and then Shaikh-Rew partnerships injected stability and optimism into the hosts’ innings.

Late Drama As India Strikes Twice

With more than an hour remaining in the day, India fought back with two successive run-outs, one of them being the key Shaikh dismissal, followed at once by Ekansh Singh’s wicket. That set the stage for a possible win, India adopting an attacking field formation — two slips, a silly point, and a short leg in a close ring around the bat.

Tail-End Grit Seals The Draw For England

In spite of the pressure play situation, England’s tailenders Jack Home (7 off 36)* and Ralphie Albert (9 off 37)* showed great resilience in standing firm. Their responsible batting in the last overs agitated India’s bowlers, who were resorting to everything they could in a bid to get a late wicket.

India Sets Up Strong Target With Second Innings Rally

India U19 went on to score 248 in 57.4 overs, leaving England with a tall order. Vihaan Malhotra set the tone with a smooth 63 from 85 balls, hitting 10 boundaries. He and overnight stopper Abhigyan Kundu looked settled before Alex Green removed them in succession, triggering a mini-collapse.

From 171/3, India were suddenly at 187/6. But RS Ambrish gave a much-needed impetus with his battling 53 off 71 balls, taking India to a defendable score before being the last man out in a run-out.

India’s Recent Form And What’s Next

The game comes after India U19 won the five-match Youth ODI series 3-2 with Ayush Mhatre leading them. With a single Test left, both sides will try to win the series lead in the final match.