Anvay Dravid, son of former India captain Rahul Dravid, produced an impressive 87 off 67 balls to help India Under-19 recover from an early collapse and post 285 against Sri Lanka Under-19 in the second Youth ODI at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium on Monday. The 17-year-old wicketkeeper-batter struck nine fours and a six during his aggressive innings.

After electing to bat first, India Under-19 found themselves in serious trouble as the top order struggled against the Sri Lankan bowlers. The visitors slipped to 81/4 in the 19th over, leaving the innings in need of a major rebuilding effort. Anvay then joined Arjun Rajput at the crease, and the pair gradually brought India back into the contest with a crucial partnership.

Anvay and Rajput added 145 runs for the fifth wicket, transforming the course of the innings. While Rajput contributed a composed 76 off 81 balls, Anvay played the more aggressive role and reached his maiden Youth ODI half-century in just 47 deliveries. His attacking strokeplay helped India move from a difficult position towards a competitive total.

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Anvay appeared on course for a century before left-arm pacer Gimhan Mendis dismissed him for 87. His innings came at a strike rate of 129.85 and ended after he had established himself as India’s leading scorer. Rajput was later run out following a sharp throw from Dimantha Mahavithana, ending another important contribution to the visitors’ recovery.

Following Anvay’s dismissal at 263/7, India’s lower order was unable to provide a strong finish and lost the final three wickets for just 22 runs. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 285 in 47.2 overs. Mendis was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka Under-19, finishing with impressive figures of 5/41.

Anvay previously captained Karnataka in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, where he scored 220 runs, and is considered a contender for the next Under-19 World Cup. His elder brother Samit Dravid was also selected for an India Under-19 series against Australia but missed out due to a knee injury. India entered the second Youth ODI with a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after chasing 321 to win the opening match by four wickets.

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