Rocky Flintoff Shines Bright in Youth ODI Against India
Flintoff’s Amazing Innings
On July 6, a thrilling match happened at the County Ground in Worcester. England was chasing a big target of 364 set by India. Rocky Flintoff, just 17 years old, walked in to bat at No. 4 during the 15th over. England was at 104/2, thanks to a strong opening by BJ Dawkins (67) and Joseph Moores (52).
Getting Started
Flintoff began carefully. He took his time to settle in. His first boundary came on his 20th ball. It was a straight six off spinner Naman Pushpak. The momentum picked up in the 25th over. He smashed three consecutive fours off Deepesh Devendran. Flintoff accelerated smartly from 13 off 20 balls. He reached his fifty in just 41 deliveries.
Taking Charge
Flintoff was particularly strong against Pushpak. He scored 36 runs off him, including:
- Two sixes
- Two fours
He brought up his maiden Youth ODI hundred in the 43rd over. Flintoff reached this milestone in 88 balls with a two through the off side. He was eventually dismissed for 107 as the ninth wicket.
Flintoff’s Impressive Record
This was Flintoff’s second century for England U19. His first came in a Youth Test against Sri Lanka last July, where he scored 106. Earlier this year, at just 16, he became the youngest player to score a hundred for England A or Lions. He made a remarkable century from No. 9 against Australia A. Flintoff also became Lancashire’s youngest debutant in the County Championship last August.
India’s Strong Performance
Despite Flintoff’s heroics, England fell short. Earlier in the day, 14-year-old IPL sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi made history. He smashed the fastest century in Youth ODI history. Vihaan Malhotra added 129 runs at over a run-a-ball. This powered India to a strong total of 363/9.
England’s Struggle
Apart from Flintoff and the two openers, no other England batter made more than 20 runs. When Flintoff was dismissed, England still needed 80 runs from 40 balls with just one wicket left. They were eventually bowled out for 308. This gave India a 55-run win and a 3-1 lead in the five-match series.
