The Indian U19 side endured a one-sided loss against Sri Lanka U19 in the second unofficial ODI on Monday, July 6 at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota. The Indian side failed to defend 286 runs in the second innings, as Sri Lanka U19 opener Dimantha Mahavithana played an outstanding knock of 156 runs to seal an eight-wicket win.
Lukewarm battings show from India U19
Winning the toss, India U19 skipper Yashbardhan Chauhan opted to bat first against Sri Lanka U19. However, the decision seemed to be a backfiring one as India U19 got off to a disastrous start. The opening duo of Chauhan and Sagar Virk were removed on cheap scores of 6 and 4 respectively. Coming to bat at No.3 VK Vineeth played a rusty knock of 24 off 45, but stitched a stable partnership with Khushagra Ojha, who looked good with his 38 runs off 45 deliveries with the help of six boundaries.
Despite India U19 were at the backseat, wicketkeeper-batter Anvay Dravid played a counter-attacking knock of 87 runs off just 67 deliveries, smashing nine boundaries and one maximum before getting bowled by Gimhan Mendis. Towards the end of the first innings, Arjun Rajput managed to provide a solid finish with his impressive 76 runs off 81 balls before getting run-out by Dimantha Mahavithana. India U19 managed to post 285 runs before being getting all-out in the 48th over.
Sri Lanka U19's dominating batting display
The Indian bowlers failed to give any major competition to the opposition, as the Sri Lankan batters made it an one-sided show with their attacking approach. The Sri Lankan top-order was in absolute carnage as their opener Dimantha Mahavithana played an outstanding knock of unbeaten 155 runs off 153 deliveries. The right-handed batter managed to hit 12 boundaries and five sixes, which took the game away from India U19's grip.
While coming to bat at No.3 Senuja Wekunagoda played a brilliant anchoring knock of 60 runs off just 64 balls, which ensured no collapse should take place before getting out off Shavin Vinodh's bowling. Sri Lanka U19 skipper Vimath Dinsara also joined the party with his unbeaten 56 runs to seal the win by eight wickets.
After the win, Sri Lanka U19 leveled the Youth ODI series against India by 1-1. The two sides will meet for the series decider on Thursday, July 9 at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota.