Kushagra Ojha century rescues India U-19 after early wobble on day 1 of 2nd Youth Test vs Sri Lanka
Kushagra Ojha’s unbeaten 103 led India U-19's recovery from 0/2 to 253/3 against Sri Lanka on a truncated Day 1 of the second Youth Test in Colombo. Yashbardhan Chauhan (78) and Manal Chauhan (55*) provided valuable support
Colombo: Kushagra Ojha struck a composed unbeaten century to anchor India U-19’s innings and steer the visitors to a position of strength after a horror start against Sri Lanka on a truncated opening day of the second Youth Test here on Monday.
India were well-placed at 253 for three in 65 overs when the umpires were forced to call off the day’s play due to bad light.
The left-handed Ojha remained undefeated on 103 off 177 balls at stumps after negotiating the new ball with assurance before converting his start into a well-crafted hundred, laying the foundation for a big Indian total.
Skipper Yashbardhan Chauhan chipped in with a fine 78 off 89 balls, while Manal Chauhan was the other not out batter at stumps, having moved to 55 in 108 deliveries.
The middle-order trio’s batting efforts helped the Indians make a strong recovery after the visitors were reeling at 0-2 following the departure of first match double centurion Lakshya Raichandani and centurion Sagar Virk for ducks.
After being asked to bat, India recovered from the early double blow as Ojha stitched together crucial partnerships with the two Chauhans — Yashbardhan and Manal — to blunt the Sri Lankan attack.
Ojha mixed caution with aggression, rotating the strike efficiently while punishing loose deliveries to keep the scoreboard moving.
While holding one end firm, Ojha displayed patience and temperament well beyond his years. His knock ensured India finished the day in a strong position with wickets in hand.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers enjoyed brief periods of success but were unable to dislodge the well-set Ojha, who looked increasingly assured as the innings progressed.
India will now look to build on the platform provided by the opener when play resumes on the second day, while Sri Lanka will hope to make early inroads and prevent the visitors from posting an imposing first-innings total.
The first Youth Test ended in a draw.