Under‑19 Test Showdown: India Holds 317‑Run Lead, Win Within Reach

Colombo, 22 July – The India Under‑19 cricket team stands just six wickets away from clinching a four‑day Test against Sri Lanka Under‑19. After posting 411 runs in their first innings, India lead by 317 runs, setting Sri Lanka a steep chase of 472.

The Indian batting display was anchored by Manjot Chauhan’s 150, featuring 21 boundaries, while Kushagra Ojha remained unbeaten on 111 and Yashvardhan Chauhan added 78. Sri Lankan bowler Gimhane Mendes claimed three wickets, the highest for the hosts.

Sri Lanka’s first innings collapsed to 148 runs. Dulnith Sigera top‑scored with 31, and Sethmika Senewirathne contributed an unbeaten 25. The Indian bowling unit—Pranav Raghavendra, Chigurupati Venkata, Jagannath Hemchudeshan and Rohit Yadav—split three wickets each.

India declared their second innings at 208 for 3 and set a demanding target. Rajesh’s unbeaten century of 100 runs, accompanied by ten fours, and Manjot’s quick 51 reinforced the scoreboard. Sri Lankan bowlers Kavija Gamage and Vigneshwaran Akash took two and one wickets respectively.

Sri Lanka’s chase on day three saw them at 155 runs for four wickets by stumps, after 36 overs. Early loss of Dimatha Mahavithana (0) was followed by Viran Chamuditha’s 31. At 38‑3, captain Vemath Dinsara partnered with Senuja Vekunagoda (64) for a 98‑run stand, taking the total past 100. Dinsara is now unbeaten on 55 with eight fours; bowler Kavija Gamage managed just a single run off 26 balls. Three of Sri Lanka’s wickets have already fallen to Chigurupati Venkata.

Following a 1‑2 setback in the unofficial One‑Day series, the first unofficial Test ended in a draw. Sri Lanka now has a final opportunity to clinch the series by winning the remaining match.