Raichandani, Venkata leave India on verge of victory in Colombo Test

India Under-19 Dominates Day 3 in Colombo Youth Test

India Under-19 produced an all-round masterclass on Day 3 of the second Youth Test against Sri Lanka Under-19 at Colombo, placing themselves firmly in the driver’s seat. A sublime unbeaten century from opening batsman Lakshya Raichandani, coupled with an aggressive half-century from Manal Chauhan, allowed India to set a daunting target before fast bowler Chigurupati Venkata dismantled Sri Lanka’s top order with a fiery spell of pace bowling.

By the close of play on the third day, Sri Lanka Under-19 were struggling at 155 for 4 in their second innings. With six wickets remaining in the match, the host nation still trails by 317 runs in their pursuit of a massive target. As the match heads into its final day, the Indian side holds all the trump cards and looks well-positioned to wrap up a dominant victory.

Match Scoreboard Summary at Stumps on Day 3

The statistical standing of the second Youth Test at the end of the third day reflects India’s overwhelming supremacy throughout the contest:

• Sri Lanka Under-19 1st Innings: 148 all out (Sigera 31, Ragavendra 2-28, Rohit Yadav 2-14)
• India Under-19 1st Innings: 411 all out (Manal Chauhan 150)
• India Under-19 2nd Innings: 208 for 3 declared (Lakshya Raichandani 100*, Manal Chauhan 51*, Kavija Gamage 2-42)
• Sri Lanka Under-19 2nd Innings: 155 for 4 (Senuja Wekunagoda 64, Vimath Dinsara 55*, Chigurupati Venkata 3-25)
• Match Situation: Sri Lanka Under-19 trail by 317 runs with 6 wickets in hand.

First Innings Wrap-Up: Sri Lanka Folded for 148

Sri Lanka Under-19 entered the third morning in a deeply precarious situation, resuming their first innings at eight wickets down. The Indian bowling attack made quick work of the remaining tailenders, allowing the hosts to add only 26 runs to their overnight total before being bowled out for 148 in response to India’s formidable first-innings total of 411.

Sigera was the top scorer for Sri Lanka in their first effort with 31 runs, while India’s bowling efforts were spearheaded by Ragavendra (2 for 28) and Rohit Yadav (2 for 14). Conceding a massive first-innings deficit of 263 runs, Sri Lanka were forced onto the back foot early, leaving India with total control over the pace and strategy of the match.

Second Innings: Raichandani’s Ton and Rapid Declaration

Opting not to enforce the follow-on, India Under-19 began their second innings with a clear objective: build a massive lead rapidly and leave plenty of time to bowl Sri Lanka out on a wearing surface. Although Sri Lankan bowler Kavija Gamage struck early by dismissing opener Sagar Virk and No. 3 Aryan Sakpal in back-to-back overs, India quickly regained composure.

Opener Lakshya Raichandani joined forces with skipper Yashbardhan Chauhan to stabilize the innings. Together, the pair put on a steady 62-run stand for the third wicket, ensuring that Sri Lanka could not capitalize on their early breakthroughs. Vigneshwaran Akash eventually broke the partnership by bowling Yashbardhan, but that was to be Sri Lanka’s final success of the innings.

Manal Chauhan, who had scored a patient 150 in the first innings, joined Raichandani and immediately elevated the scoring rate. Demonstrating remarkable versatility, Manal shifted gears effortlessly, blasting an unbeaten 51 off just 46 deliveries, including seven boundaries and a towering six. At the other end, Raichandani anchored the innings brilliantly, reaching his memorable century off 116 balls with nine fours and a six.

Raichandani and Manal forged an unbroken 95-run partnership for the fourth wicket, driving India’s second-innings score to 208 for 3 in quick time. Recognizing they had pushed the lead beyond Sri Lanka’s reach, India declared their innings, setting Sri Lanka an improbable fourth-innings target.

Venkata’s Early Strikes Break Sri Lanka’s Top Order

Defending an immense target, Indian fast bowler Chigurupati Venkata made an immediate impact with the new ball. On just the second delivery of Sri Lanka’s second innings, Venkata trapped opener Dimantha Mahavithana right in front of the stumps for an lbw decision. Venkata followed up shortly after by removing the other opener, Aveesha Samash, placing Sri Lanka under immense early pressure.

Sri Lankan No. 3 Viran Chamuditha attempted to counterattack, striking a brisk 31 off 30 balls. However, Venkata brought an abrupt end to Chamuditha’s aggressive cameo in his very next over, claiming his third wicket of the innings and leaving Sri Lanka reeling at three wickets down early in their pursuit.

Sri Lankan Resistance and the Final Day Outlook

Faced with potential collapse, Sri Lanka Under-19 found solace in a fighting fourth-wicket partnership between Senuja Wekunagoda and captain Vimath Dinsara. The duo mounted a spirited counter-fight, sharing a 98-run stand that temporarily halted India’s momentum. Wekunagoda played an aggressive knock, scoring 64 off 52 balls before Indian captain Yashbardhan Chauhan provided the crucial breakthrough, having him caught behind just nine overs before the scheduled close of play.

Sri Lanka skipper Vimath Dinsara remained resolute, ending the day unbeaten on 55 off 91 balls alongside Kavija Gamage (1 off 26 balls). Despite their late resistance, Sri Lanka close Day 3 at 155 for 4, needing another 317 runs with only six wickets remaining. India Under-19 will head into the final day as overwhelming favorites, requiring six wickets to complete a memorable victory in Colombo.