Aaryan Sawant remained unbeaten on 83, leading England U19s to a crucial first-innings lead on day two of the Youth Test in Cape Town. Image: MSN.
(The Post News)– Aaryan Sawant’s patient 83 not out steered England Men U19s to a first-innings lead on day two of the second Youth Test against South Africa Men U19s in Cape Town. The Middlesex right-hander played for more than five hours, with Kesh Fonseka’s half-century supporting him as the Young Lions reached 251 for eight at stumps, holding a 27-run lead.
South Africa’s Nathan Rossouw impressed with the ball, claiming five wickets for 62 on a spin-friendly pitch, but Sawant’s steady presence at the crease ensured England stayed ahead. Sawant joined Fonseka at 52 for two after Rossouw had dismissed openers Archie Vaughan (24) and Ben Dawkins (22). The pair added 70 for the third wicket, with Fonseka smashing a six off leg-spinner Chad Mason and bringing up his fifty with a boundary off Jason Rowles.
The hosts struck back with Fonseka’s run out, courtesy of a direct hit from Bandile Mbatha, before Rossouw’s spin burst saw four wickets fall for just 16 runs. His five-wicket haul seemed to be steering South Africa towards a first-innings lead.
However, Sawant held firm, facing 228 balls, hitting five fours and a six. He reached stumps with Yorkshire debutant Alexander Wade unbeaten on seven from 58 balls, ensuring England’s advantage remained intact.
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