In a nail-biting finish at Hambantota, Sri Lanka Under-19 secured a dramatic one-wicket victory over India Under-19 to claim the three-match Youth ODI series 2-1.
SL U-19 edge India U-19 to pocket series
Facing a daunting target of 291 in the winner-takes-all finale, the hosts managed to cross the finish line in the final over, finishing on 291/9 thanks to a composed, unbeaten 84 off just 68 balls from Chamika Heenatigala. Senuja Wekunagoda provided vital support at the top, setting up the chase with a brisk 67 off 59 deliveries.
Vineeth's Century in Vain
Earlier in the day, India U19 set a formidable total of 290/8 in their allotted 50 overs, anchored by a magnificent 131-run knock from VK Vineeth, who faced 136 balls. Lakshya Raichandani played a fine supporting role with a well-made 61. Sri Lanka’s bowling effort was spearheaded by Sethmika Seneviratne, who disrupted the Indian lineup with excellent figures of 4/41, while Gimhan Mendis chipped in with two wickets for 63 runs.
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Sri Lanka have last laugh in tense final over finish
Staring down a formidable run chase, Sri Lanka’s top order crumbled early, leaving the hosts reeling at 52 for 3 by the 12th over. However, Senuja Wekunagoda turned the tide with a brilliant, stabilizing knock of 67 off 59 deliveries. The youngster showcased excellent intent, punishing the Indian attack with 10 boundaries and a towering six to resurrect the innings.
The momentum shifted again in the 27th over when Shavin Vinodh (3/41) broke the vital partnership by dismissing Wekunagoda. With the game hanging in the balance, Chamika Heenatigala stepped up as the sheet anchor. Playing an exceptional, unbeaten knock of 84 off just 68 balls, Heenatigala cleverly managed the lower order and kept Sri Lanka within striking distance of the target despite regular wickets falling at the other end.
The contest built to a heart-stopping climax in the final over, with Sri Lanka requiring 11 runs but having only their last pair at the crease. Showing nerves of steel against bowler Mohit Ulva (2/66), Heenatigala smashed a boundary off the second ball and followed it up with a dramatic, match-winning six off the penultimate delivery. A calmly taken single off the final ball completed a spectacular heist for the home side, overshadowing a brilliant spell from Indian off-spinner Anmoljeet Singh, who finished as the pick of the visitors' bowlers with figures of 4/42.