Kushagra Ojha produced a match-winning knock of 92 off 67 balls as India Under-19 chased down a daunting target of 321 to defeat Sri Lanka Under-19 by four wickets in the opening match of the limited-overs series at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

The visitors reached 324 for six in 49.2 overs after Sri Lanka had earlier posted an imposing 320 for six, making it a high-scoring encounter that entertained spectators throughout the day.

Having won the toss and elected to field, India were put under pressure by an enterprising Sri Lankan batting performance led by Senuja Wekunagoda and Kavija Gamage.

Sri Lanka suffered an early setback when Dulnith Sigera departed for six with just eight runs on the board, but Dimantha Mahavitharana and Wekunagoda steadied the innings with a valuable 68-run partnership for the second wicket.

Mahavitharana contributed 42 from 62 deliveries, striking six boundaries before falling to Rohit Yadav in the 19th over. The hosts lost skipper Vimath Dinsara shortly afterwards, but Wekunagoda found an able partner in Gamage to rebuild the innings.

The pair added a crucial 100 runs for the fourth wicket, laying the foundation for a strong finish. Wekunagoda played the anchor role to perfection, compiling 91 from 111 deliveries with 11 fours and a six before becoming Kavya Patel’s second victim.

Gamage then took centre stage with an aggressive 77 off 70 balls, peppering the boundary with eight fours and a six. His innings ensured Sri Lanka maintained momentum during the middle overs.

The late acceleration came from Chamika Heenatigala and Chamarindu Nethsara. Heenatigala remained unbeaten on 46 from 36 balls, while Nethsara smashed 21 off just 11 deliveries, including two sixes. Kithma Withanapathirana also chipped in with a quickfire unbeaten 18 from five balls as Sri Lanka crossed the 320-mark.

For India, left-arm spinner Kavya Patel finished with two wickets for 54 runs, while Mohit Ulva and Rohit Yadav claimed one wicket each.

Chasing 321, India made a steady start through captain Yashbardhan Chauhan, who scored 31 from 36 balls with five boundaries before becoming Kugadas Mathulan’s first victim.

The backbone of the chase was a 94-run partnership between Sagar Virk and Lakshya Raichandani. Virk struck a composed 57 from 75 deliveries, hitting six fours, while Raichandani made 52 off 56 balls, including three fours and two sixes.

Sri Lanka briefly clawed their way back into the contest when Sethmika Senevirathne dismissed both Raichandani and the dangerous Anvay Rahul Dravid, reducing India to 186 for four in the 37th over.

However, the momentum shifted dramatically with the arrival of Kushagra Ojha. The right-hander launched a calculated assault on the Sri Lankan bowlers, smashing 92 off only 67 deliveries. His innings featured eight boundaries and five sixes and effectively broke the back of the chase.

Ojha shared a match-defining 78-run partnership with Yashveer Goud for the sixth wicket, taking India to the brink of victory. Although Ojha fell with 18 runs still required, Goud remained unbeaten on 33 from 21 balls to ensure there were no further hiccups.

V Shavin provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 13 off eight deliveries as India completed the chase with four balls to spare and secured a four-wicket victory.

For Sri Lanka, Sethmika Senevirathne and Kavija Gamage picked up two wickets each, while Dulnith Sigera and Kugadas Mathulan claimed one apiece.

The result gives India a 1-0 lead in the limited-overs series and underlines the strength and depth of their batting unit, particularly in pressure situations.

Chief Scores

Sri Lanka U19 320/6 (50 overs): Senuja Wekunagoda 91 (111), Kavija Gamage 77 (70), Chamika Heenatigala 46* (36), Dimantha Mahavitharana 42 (62); Kavya Patel 2/54.

India U19 324/6 (49.2 overs): Kushagra Ojha 92 (67), Sagar Virk 57 (75), Lakshya Raichandani 52 (56), Yashveer Goud 33* (21); Sethmika Senevirathne 2/46, Kavija Gamage 2/72.

Result: India U19 won by four wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the series.