India Under-19 staged a remarkable recovery on the first day of the second Youth Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo, finishing at 253 for 3 despite an early collapse. After Sri Lanka Under-19 elected to bowl, the visitors found themselves in deep trouble at 0 for 2 within the first six overs as opening batters Lakshya Raichandani and Sagar Virk were dismissed without scoring by Sethmika Seneviratne and Gimhan Mendis, respectively.
Captain Yashbardhan Chauhan joined Kushagra Ojha at the crease to steady the innings, forming a crucial 122-run partnership for the third wicket. Yashbardhan played an aggressive role, reaching his fifty in just 21 overs and finishing with 78 off 89 balls, an innings that featured 11 fours and two sixes. His counterattacking knock ended in the 30th over when he was dismissed by Gimhan Mendis.
Following Yashbardhan’s departure, Manal Chauhan joined Ojha, and the pair continued to build momentum, adding 131 runs for the fourth wicket before play was halted due to rain and bad light. Only 65 overs were possible throughout the day, but the duo helped India pile up 99 runs during the final 20 overs. Ojha, who remained composed throughout his innings, reached his century off 177 balls, while Manal Chauhan contributed an unbeaten 55 off 108 deliveries. At the close of play, Kushagra Ojha stood at 103 not out, with India well-positioned at 253 for 3.
A general view of the redeveloped R Premadasa Stadium
A general view of the redeveloped R Premadasa Stadium, Basnahira v Wayamba, SLC Inter-provisional limited-over tournament, Colombo, 23 January 2011
