Karnataka Under-19 captain Anvay Dravid struck a scintillating 151 off just 100 deliveries to power Karnataka into the knockout stage of the Vinu Mankad Trophy with a five-wicket win over Gujarat at the Vizzy Stadium in Vizianagaram on Friday, October 16.

A Masterclass in High-Stakes Chasing

Faced with a formidable target under the VJD method, the young Karnataka side produced a batting masterclass that overturned what looked like an insurmountable Gujarat total. After losing the toss and being sent in to bat, Gujarat had mounted a massive total of 357 for four in their allotted 50 overs, which was subsequently adjusted to a revised target of 352 for Karnataka. Rather than succumbing to the enormous scoreboard pressure, Dravid and fellow centurion Dhruv Krishnan took absolute command of the proceedings, orchestrating an unforgettable counter-offensive.

Dravid, who captains the state side and executes wicketkeeping duties, played with unrestrained authority from the moment he walked out to the middle. The 17-year-old hammered 20 boundaries and cleared the ropes three times on his way to his blistering 151. Alongside Krishnan, who scored a commanding 131 from 100 balls, the duo forged a decisive 203-run partnership for the third wicket. Their relentless scoring rate dismantled Gujarat’s bowling plans and steered Karnataka across the finish line with five wickets to spare, cementing their qualification for the tournament’s knockouts.

Thrills at Vizianagaram’s Vizzy Stadium

The high-scoring thriller unfolded at the historic Vizzy Stadium in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, offering local sports enthusiasts a premier exhibition of fearless domestic cricket. Hosting pivotal junior encounters of the Vinu Mankad Trophy underlines Andhra Pradesh’s recurring role as a key staging ground for emerging national talents, providing the infrastructure and stage where matches with over 700 aggregate runs can come to life.

Gujarat’s Late Onslaught Neutralized

Karnataka’s triumphant chase took the shine off what had earlier been a sensational lower-order recovery by Gujarat. After Gujarat were reduced to 140 for four in 30.3 overs, batsmen Sameer Bhandari and Yash Panjwani had completely transformed their side’s innings. The pair shared an unbroken 217-run partnership for the fifth wicket inside just 19 overs. Bhandari remained unbeaten on 119 off 88 deliveries, while Panjwani blitzed a 57-ball 106 not out to propel Gujarat to 357. However, the extraordinary response mounted by Dravid and Krishnan ultimately eclipsed Gujarat’s late batting blitz.

Blazing a Unique Path in Junior Cricket

Former India captain Rahul Dravid is known for his technique and patience, but his younger son Anvay Dravid has begun carving a distinct identity with his aggressive style.

The hundred against Gujarat marks Dravid’s second century of the ongoing Vinu Mankad Trophy campaign. Earlier in the tournament, he bludgeoned 104 runs from only 62 balls against Chandigarh, steering Karnataka to an emphatic 100-run win. He also showed explosive form against Delhi, smashing 85 runs from 41 deliveries in a contest where Karnataka accumulated a mammoth total of 418 for four.

Dravid’s aggressive approach has translated effectively onto the international stage as well. Representing the India Under-19 team during their tour of Sri Lanka in July, he contributed 87 runs off 67 balls, featuring nine boundaries and a six, during the second Youth ODI. In September, he showcased his rapid-fire capability against Australia in a rain-affected Youth ODI, striking an 18-ball 38 with three sixes and two fours to help India secure a tight seven-run victory. As Karnataka advance deeper into the domestic competition, Dravid’s prolific run-scoring and dual role as skipper-keeper position him as one of the standout performers of the junior season.