The first match of the unofficial four-day Test series between India and Sri Lanka’s Under-19 teams at Galle International Stadium is heading towards a draw.
The host team declared their first innings at 424-9, after which the Indian team ended the third day with a score of 378 runs for the loss of 3 wickets. Currently, Indian opener Lakshya Raichandani remains unbeaten at 196 runs.
Sri Lanka’s batting started poorly after winning the toss. They lost both their openers with just 3 runs on the board. From there, Senuja Weerakoon took charge.
Senuja partnered with captain Vimath Dinsara (52) to add 143 runs for the third wicket. He then added 128 runs with Kavija Gamage (49) and 111 runs with Chamika Heenatigala (45), putting the team in a strong position. Senuja scored 233 runs off 267 balls, hitting 1 six and 33 fours, and remains not out.
From the Indian side, Jagannathan Hemchudhesan took the most wickets, claiming 3, while Kavy Patel and Priyanshu Singh each took 2 wickets. Pranav and captain Yashvardhan took 1 wicket each.
In response, India’s Under-19 team scored 378 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in 117 overs by the end of the third day. Lakshya Raichandani formed a significant partnership of 295 runs with Sagar Virk over 91.5 overs. Sagar scored 134 runs with 16 boundaries before getting out. Lakshya then added 42 runs for the second wicket with Kushagra Ojha, who scored 24 runs with 3 fours before being dismissed, while captain Yashvardhan could only contribute 6 runs.
By the end of the day, Lakshya was just 4 runs shy of his double century, having scored 196* runs off 306 balls, including 3 sixes and 21 fours, while Kush Patel remained not out at 3 runs. For Sri Lanka, Dulnith Sigera, Lathendra Akash, and Dimath Abesinghe each took 1 wicket.