Ayush Mhatre, the India U-19 captain and Chennai Super Kings’ latest breakout star, etched his name in the history books on Wednesday as he slammed the fastest-ever century in Youth Test history. The right-handed batter brought up his hundred in just 64 balls during a high-octane chase against England U-19 in the second Youth Test at Chelmsford.
Ayush Mhatre’s masterclass
Set a steep target of 355 on the final day, India lost opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi for a golden duck in the first over. But what followed was a masterclass but not without bravery. After starting cautiously, Mhatre quickly changed his gears, taking 14 runs off Alex Green in the fifth over, including three well-timed boundaries.
He reached his fifty in just 25 balls and never let England settle. With support from Abhigyan Kundu, the duo stitched together a rapid partnership of 117 runs in just 77 balls that deflated the English attack.
Mhatre eventually raised his bat for a historic century in the 27th over, overtaking the previous record of 88 balls held by England’s George Bell (vs Sri Lanka U-19, 2022). Ironically, Mhatre also holds the third-fastest Youth Test hundred, having made one in 107 balls in the first Test at Beckenham.
Dominant series capped by record-breaking effort
Mhatre’s final score in the second innings was 126 off just 80 deliveries, laced with 13 fours and five sixes. His 126-run knock is also became the highest individual score in U19 Youth Tests at a SR of 150+. His attacking intent helped India cruise to 217 before he was dismissed, caught by Ben Mayes off Ralphie Albert.
The 19-year-old finished the two-match series with scores of 102, 32, 80, and 126, showcasing remarkable consistency across innings. His nine sixes in the series also surpassed Saurabh Tiwary’s India U-19 record for most sixes in Youth Tests. Unfortunately, rain had the final say again. Just like the first Test, the second game ended in a draw with India stranded at 290/6 in 43 overs, still needing 65 runs for a famous win.
