India level sub-junior men series with commanding 6-3 victory over Australia

Bhopal: India’s U-18 men produced a rampant attacking display to beat Australia U-18 6-3 at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central SAI Centre here on Monday, levelling the four-match series 1-1 and setting up a thrilling decider on Wednesday.

The hosts took charge early and never looked back, converting sustained pressure into goals across the opening three quarters. Akash Deep opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a well-taken finish that settled Indian nerves and ignited the home crowd.

Shahrukh Ali doubled the advantage in the 14th minute to make it 2-0 at quarter-time.

Australia sought to respond and managed a breakthrough through Owen Taylor in the 23rd minute, but India answered immediately. Captain Ketan Kushwaha restored the two-goal cushion in the 25th minute before Romit Pal struck a minute later to stretch the lead to 4-1.

The visitors mounted another revival in the third quarter with quick goals from Oscar Freeman (29’) and Jack Weller (32’), narrowing the deficit to 4-3 and briefly threatening to turn the tide. However, Kushwaha’s second of the match in the 40th minute quelled the comeback and reasserted India’s control. Ansh Bahutra added a late gloss to the scoreline with a 45th-minute strike, sealing a comprehensive 6-3 victory.

India’s defence, marshalled effectively in the final quarter, repelled Australia’s attempts to claw back into the contest and preserved the two-goal cushion until the final whistle. The result keeps the series alive and hands momentum to the hosts ahead of the finale.

The fourth and deciding match will be played on Wednesday, May 20, at the same venue, promising a competitive finish to the junior series.