Ayush Mhatre’s blazing century nearly took India U19 to a memorable win, but bad light and rain intervened just as the visitors closed in on an epic chase in the second Youth Test against England, ending the match in a frustrating draw at Wormsley on Wednesday.Set a stiff target of 355 in 65 overs, India made an audacious push, led by Mhatre’s scintillating 126 off just 80 balls, studded with 13 fours and 6 sixes. At 290 for six in 43 overs — just 65 runs away with 22 overs to go — India were well on course before rain halted proceedings with Harvansh Pangalia (29*) and Kanishk Chouhan (12*) at the crease. Play never resumed thereafter.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!India’s chase began on a jittery note, losing Vaibhav Suryavanshi to the very first ball. But Mhatre, in partnership with Vihaan Malhotra (27), added a brisk 100 off 13.4 overs. The momentum continued with a whirlwind 117-run stand between Mhatre and Abhigyan Kundu (65 off 46), pushing India to 217 for two in just 26.3 overs.

Mhatre’s dismissal by left-arm spinner Ralphie Albert (4/76) sparked a mini-collapse, with India slipping to 263 for six. But the lower order held firm, until the weather had its say.

Earlier, England’s second innings was built around BJ Dawkins (136) and Adam Thomas (91), whose 188-run stand powered the hosts to 324/5 declared. Aditya Rawat was India’s most successful bowler with 4 wickets.Though both Youth Tests ended in draws, India took the honours in the overall series with a 3-2 win in the one-dayers. But on a dramatic final day at Wormsley, it was Ayush Mhatre’s breathtaking hundred — and the rain — that stole the headlines.Brief scores:England U19: 309 & 324/5 declared (BJ Dawkins 136, Adam Thomas 91; Aditya Rawat 4/80) drew with India U19: 279 all out & 290/6 in 43 overs (Ayush Mhatre 126, Abhigyan Kundu 65; Ralphie Albert 4/76).