India U-19: While India’s senior team suffered a disappointing defeat at the hands of England in the first Test at Headingley, it was the India Under-19 side that brought smiles to cricket fans with a stunning performance in a 50-over practice match on Tuesday.

Led by Ayush Mhatre, the India U-19 team demolished the England Young Lions by a massive 231 runs, putting on an all-round masterclass. On a day when the senior team faltered in key moments, it was the younger generation that rose to the occasion and delivered a strong statement ahead of their official series beginning June 27.

India U-19 Posts Mammoth 442 Despite Top-Order Collapse

India U-19: After being asked to bat first, India U-19 didn’t get off to a great start. Skipper Ayush Mhatre and opening partner Vaibhav Suryavanshi couldn’t convert their starts — Mhatre fell for just 1, and Vaibhav managed only 17 runs. The top order crumbled, and half the team was back in the pavilion with just 91 on the board.

But what followed was a spectacular fightback led by the middle and lower order. Rahul Kumar scored a gritty 73, Kanisk Chauhan added 79, and Ambreesh kept the momentum going with 72. Yet, the highlight of the innings came from an unlikely hero — Harvansh Pangalia, batting at No. 9.

Harvansh Pangalia’s Blazing Century Lifts India U-19 to 442

India U-19: With the team in trouble, Harvansh Pangalia stepped in and produced one of the most astonishing innings seen in youth cricket in recent memory. Smashing 103 runs off just 52 balls, Pangalia tore into the English attack, hitting 9 sixes and 8 fours, and took India’s total to a staggering 442 runs.

His aggressive yet composed batting turned the tide completely and showcased the depth and resilience in the India U-19 setup. From 91/5 to 442 all out — it was a comeback to remember.

India’s Bowlers Seal the Game with Clinical Performance

India U-19: The bowlers backed up the batters brilliantly. A total of nine different bowlers were used by the Indian team, displaying both depth and strategic flexibility. Leading the charge was Deepesh Devendran, who took 3 wickets in just 5.1 overs.

Naman Pushpak and Vihaan Malhotra chipped in with 2 wickets each, and the England Young Lions were bundled out for just 211 runs, handing India a 231-run victory in the warm-up match.

In Stark Contrast, Senior Team Stumbles in Leeds

India U-19: Ironically, on the same day, India’s senior team — captained by Shubman Gill — suffered a 5-wicket defeat against England in the first Test match at Leeds. Despite five centuries scored across both innings by the Indian batters, poor fielding, ineffective bowling spells, and a dismal lower-order collapse proved costly.

India had posted a strong 471 runs in their first innings and were looking poised for a 600-plus score, but the last 7 wickets fell for just 41 runs. In the second innings too, the collapse continued as the final six wickets fell for 31 runs, handing England a comfortable chase.

A Tale of Two Teams, Two Mindsets

India U-19: The contrast between the U-19 and the senior team performances couldn’t have been more striking. While the youth team fought back from adversity and showed grit and composure to post a match-winning total, the senior team lost its grip in key phases and let a dominant position slip away.

It was a day that belonged to young heroes like Harvansh Pangalia, who turned the tide with fearless cricket, while the senior team will go back to the drawing board with serious questions over consistency, lower-order resilience, and captaincy under pressure.

Looking Ahead

India U-19: With the official U-19 series against England set to begin on June 27, the India U-19 side will enter with confidence and momentum. As for Shubman Gill’s team, the pressure is now on to bounce back quickly and fix the chinks before the second Test.

One thing’s for sure — India’s cricketing future looks bright with talents like Pangalia and others showing they’re ready to carry the torch forward.