Malayali batter Aaron makes fifty on India U-19 debut, forges 212-run stand with Vaibhav Suryavanshi

As Vaibhav Suryavanshi was smashing the ball around in India's U-19 Asia Cup opener against the UAE, a Malayali made a memorable debut in the event.

Hyderabad-native Aaron George Varghese got his opportunity early on at the dismissal of skipper Ayush Mhatre, and scored a half-century (69 off 73).

While Suryavanshi played his usual aggressive game, Aaron played the silent partner, calmly building his innings and a partnership.

At one point, the two batters were in their 20s, but a couple of overs later, Suryavanshi made his fifty off 29 balls, with a six.

Interestingly, Aaron reached his fifty and Suryavanshi his ton in the 21st over. His experience leading Hyderabad in the Vinoo Mankad trophy proved useful alongside the 14-year-old batting sensation. 

The duo stitched up a 212-run partnership for the second wicket, and it ended with Aaron caught by Ayobi off Yayin Rai's bowling. He hit seven boundaries and a six in his composed innings.

Aaron was born and raised in Hyderabad, but maintains a connection with his relatives in Kerala. His parents hail from Kottayam.

Last season, another Malayali, Mohammed Enaan represented India in the U-19 Asia Cup. Leg-spinner Enaan's family is based in Thrissur.