India U-19 snatch thrilling
last ball win

Last-man Chadrashekar Atram hit a six off the last ball as India, requiring four runs from it, scored a sensational one-wicket victory over England in the second Under-19 One-Day International at Taunton on Thursday evening.

The nail-biting finish, after a three-wicket win in the first ODI in Bristol on Tuesday, enabled India to take a winning 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Fortunes fluctuated wildly in the match, but Atram's heroics -- smashing a four and a six off the last two balls -- saw India reach the readjusted target of 259 in 47 overs, following a rain delay.

England's total of 269 in 50 overs was built around a marvellous 103 from Lancashire's Kyle Hogg, who also claimed three wickets as India collapsed from a comfortable 154 for no loss to 237 for nine.

However, Atram (19 not out) and K Rawat (22 not out), saw India home with a 25-run last-wicket partnership.

Earlier, the foundation for India's victory was laid by openers Manvinder Bisla, the vice-captain, and A T Rayudu, who put on 154 runs before Bisla was caught by Pettini off Hogg for 59.

Brief scores:
England: 269 in 50 overs (K W Hogg 103, M L Pettini 31, Kadeer Ali 25; Pathan 2/60, Rawat 1/37, Patel 1/48).
India: 262 for nine in 47 overs (A T Rayudu 80, M S Bisla 59, K Rawat 22 not out; Hogg 3/51, Bresnan 2/38, Plunkett 1/45).

Mail Cricket Editor