Manal Chauhan’s double century and Rohit Yadav’s match-winning bowling effort powered India Under-19 to a comprehensive 211-run victory over Sri Lanka Under-19 in the second Youth Test at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
India’s youngsters wrapped up the two-match Youth Test series 1-0 after the opening game ended in a draw, with their dominant all-round performance exposing Sri Lanka’s batting struggles in both innings.
Chasing a massive target of 472 runs for victory, Sri Lanka Under-19 were bowled out for 260 in their second innings despite half-centuries from captain Vimath Dinsara and Senuja Wekunagoda.
India had taken control of the match after posting a formidable 411 in their first innings. After losing two early wickets without a run on the board, India recovered through outstanding batting performances.
Kushagra Ojha struck a commanding 111 off 193 balls, while Yashbardhan Chauhan contributed 78. The highlight of the innings was a magnificent 150 off 244 deliveries by Manal Chauhan, who struck 20 fours and a six to put India in a commanding position.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batters, although Gimhan Mendis impressed with figures of 3 for 102, while Sethmika Seneviratne and Vigneshwaran Akash claimed two wickets each.
Sri Lanka’s first innings collapsed for just 148, giving India a huge advantage. Only Dulnith Sigera (31) and Sethmika Seneviratne (25 not out) offered some resistance as the hosts lost wickets at regular intervals.
For India, Chigurupati Venkata was the standout bowler, claiming 2 for 27, while Pranav Ragavendra, Jeganathan Hemchudeshan and Rohit Yadav also picked up two wickets each.
With a lead of 263 runs, India did not enforce the follow-on and instead extended their advantage by declaring their second innings at 208 for 3.
Opener Lakshya Raichandani completed a superb century, scoring an unbeaten 100 off 116 balls, while Manal Chauhan continued his excellent match with an unbeaten 51 from 46 deliveries. Captain Yashbardhan Chauhan also contributed 20.
Set an improbable target of 472, Sri Lanka began their chase poorly, losing opener Dimantha Mahavithana in the first over. However, the hosts showed greater resistance in the second innings compared to their first.
Senuja Wekunagoda played an aggressive knock of 64 from 52 balls, hitting nine boundaries, while captain Vimath Dinsara battled hard for 64 off 129 deliveries.
Kavija Gamage added valuable resistance with a patient 36, while Sethmika Seneviratne scored 42 before Sri Lanka were eventually dismissed for 260.
Rohit Yadav was the destroyer-in-chief with the ball, claiming 4 for 49, while Venkata finished with impressive figures of 3 for 27. Pranav Ragavendra and Yashbardhan Chauhan also contributed with a wicket each.
The match also saw several players making their Youth Test debuts, including India’s Aryan Sakpal, Chigurupati Venkata, Manal Chauhan and Rohit Yadav, while Sri Lanka handed debuts to Aveesha Samash, Gimhan Mendis, Sethmika Seneviratne, Vigneshwaran Akash and Viran Chamuditha.
The victory capped a dominant tour for India Under-19, who displayed greater consistency with both bat and ball throughout the Colombo Test. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will look to regroup as they continue their preparations for future international youth competitions.
Chief scores
India Under-19 1st innings: 411 (105.2 overs)
Manal Chauhan 150, Kushagra Ojha 111, Yashbardhan Chauhan 78
Gimhan Mendis 3/102, Sethmika Seneviratne 2/90, Vigneshwaran Akash 2/50
Sri Lanka Under-19 1st innings: 148 (52.1 overs)
Dulnith Sigera 31, Sethmika Seneviratne 25*
Chigurupati Venkata 2/27, Pranav Ragavendra 2/28, Rohit Yadav 2/14
India Under-19 2nd innings: 208/3 declared (40.2 overs)
Lakshya Raichandani 100*, Manal Chauhan 51*
Sri Lanka Under-19 2nd innings: 260 (76.5 overs)
Vimath Dinsara 64, Senuja Wekunagoda 64, Sethmika Seneviratne 42
Rohit Yadav 4/49, Chigurupati Venkata 3/27
Result: India Under-19 won by 211 runs
Series: India Under-19 won the two-match series 1-0
