Wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jorel struck a delightful century before left-arm spinner Atharva Ankolekar bagged four wickets to help India beat South Africa by 69 runs and lift the quadrangular U-19 Series title in Durban on Thursday.
Jorel hit 101 off 115 balls with the help of eight boundaries and two sixes, while Tilak Varma struck 70 off 103 deliveries (7x4s, 1x6), helping India post a competitive 259 for seven after being sent into bat.
Left-arm orthodox bowler, Ankolekar (4/31), then spun a web around South Africa batsmen to bundle out the hosts for 190 in 43.1 overs in the title clash.
However, the start was far from rosy for the Indians as they slipped to 13/3 in 6.1 overs. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Divyaansh Saxena and skipper Priyam Garg all departed early, leaving the tourists in a spot of bother.
Jurel and Varma then joined hands and shared 164 runs for the fourth wicket to not only stabilise India’s innings but also set a platform for a fighting total.
Siddhesh Veer also made a significant contribution with the bat, remaining unbeaten on 48 off 37 balls. He struck three fours and two hits over the fence during his knock.
Gerald Coetzee was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa with figures of 3 for 19.
South Africa’s chase never got going as the Indian bowlers picked up wickets at regular intervals and never allowed the hosts to forge any partnership.
Jack Lees (52) top-scored for the home team, while Jonathan Bird made 39.
Besides Ankolekar, leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi (2/29) picked up two wickets, while Veer (1/19), Varma (1/11), Jaiswal (1/16) and Akash Singh (1/29) were the other wicket getters for India.
Brief Scores: India U-19: 259 for 7 in 50 overs (Dhruv Jurel 101, Tilak Varma 70; Gerald Coetzee 3/19) beat South Africa U-19: 190 all out in 43.1 overs (Jack Lees 52, Jonathan Bird 39; Atharva Ankolekar 4/31) by 69 runs.