Anvay Dravid seized the moment in Hambantota, smashing 87 to steer India U19 to 285 against Sri Lanka U19 in the second unofficial ODI. The right-handed wicketkeeper’s counterpunch turned a wobble into control and kept India’s series momentum alive.
Anvay Dravid turns crisis into a platform
India’s innings swung on a single partnership. Walking in under pressure, Rahul Dravid’s younger son refused to retreat, producing a vibrant 87 that shifted the tone of the contest and energised the visitors.
He blended composure with intent, lifting Chamika Heenatigala for a six and a four off consecutive balls to underline the switch. His maiden Youth ODI fifty arrived in 47 deliveries, a marker of tempo rather than caution.
Sri Lanka strike early, India counter
The start belonged to the hosts. India were 11/2 inside the opening four overs, and later 81/4 in the 19th over. The early collapse threatened to cut the innings short at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota.
Survival alone would not do. VK Vineeth and Kushagra Ojha launched the first repair with a 67-run alliance for the third wicket, but the critical intervention came later when Anvay joined Arjun Rajput for a decisive rebuild.
Anvay and Rajput added 145 for the fifth wicket, turning 81/4 into 221 and changing the tone of the afternoon. Rajput’s 76 from 81 balls, laced with nine fours and one maximum, gave the innings ballast as Anvay attacked.
Key passages that shaped India’s 285 were clear from the flow of the game, rather than the clock. Here are the standout moments:
– India slipped to 11/2 inside four overs
– Vineeth and Ojha added a 67-run stand
– Dravid-Rajput’s 145 took India to 221
– Rajput was run-out by Dimantha Mahavithana’s throw
– India finished at 285 in 47.2 overs
Mendis halts the surge, target set at 285
Sri Lanka refused to let India disappear into the distance. Gimhan Mendis broke the partnership by dismissing Anvay in the 44th over, then ripped through the tail to pull India back.
Mendis finished with 5/41 in 8.2 overs, removing Sagar Virk, Yashveer Goud, Anmoljeet Singh and Ishan Sood to claim a thoroughly deserved five-for. India were bowled out for 285 in 47.2 overs, a total that looked improbable earlier but competitive by the close.
Rajput’s run-out also checked India’s late surge. After Anvay and Rajput took the score to 221, a sharp throw from Dimantha Mahavithana caught Rajput short of his crease, forcing fresh batters to face a charged-up attack.
What this means for the series
The performance fits neatly into India U19’s recent pattern of resilience. They lead the three-match series 1-0, having chased 321 with four deliveries to spare in the first game, even though Anvay managed only 14 that night.
Anvay is building quickly at this level. Before this tour, he had featured for India B Under-19s once, playing against Afghanistan Under-19s in a one-day tri-series at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru in November 2025.
The ODIs are being staged in Hambantota, with red-ball action to follow. The two unofficial Tests, starting July 13th, will be played at the Galle Stadium, where India’s youngsters will look to carry forward the belief born from this comeback.
If Monday was about handling pressure, Anvay's 87 showed exactly how to turn it into opportunity: absorb, counter, and then set the agenda. Sri Lanka now chase 285, but the story of this contest already has its defining chapter.
