Lakshay Raichandani double century helps India U-19 draw first Youth Test against Sri Lanka

Opener Lakshay Raichandani’s marathon 207 and wicketkeeper Manav Krishna’s fighting century guided India U-19 to a massive 576, securing a first-innings lead before the opening Youth Test against Sri Lanka ended in a draw at Galle

Galle (Sri Lanka): Opener Lakshay Raichandani’s gritty first-innings double century was the standout performance as India’s first Youth Test against Sri Lanka U-19 ended in a draw here on Thursday.

Resuming overnight on 196, Raichandani completed his double century before being dismissed for a superb 207 off 324 balls.

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Wicketkeeper-batter Manav Krishna also impressed with a patient 100 off 153 deliveries and was the last man out as India amassed 576, securing a 152-run first-innings lead after Sri Lanka U-19 had declared on 424 for 9.

In their second innings, Sri Lanka U-19 scored 178 for 6 before declaring. With no realistic chance of a result, the four-day match ended in a tame draw.

Besides Raichandani’s double century, that came off 324 balls and included 22 boundaries and three sixes during a marathon 492-minute stay at the crease, it was Krishna who played a pivotal role in guiding India U-19 to a sizeable first-innings lead.

The keeper-batter struck a patient century off 153 deliveries, keeping alive India’s slim hopes of forcing a victory.

India off-spinner Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan claimed four wickets (4/49) to put Sri Lanka U-19 under pressure, but opener Dulnith Sigera’s defiant 72 and a resilient middle-order effort from Kavija Gamage (51) and the unbeaten Chamika Heenatigala (21 not out) ensured the hosts batted out the match and secured a draw.

The second Youth Test will begin in Colombo on July 20.

Brief scores: Sri Lanka U19 424 for 9 decl & 178 for 6 decl. India U19 576 all out. Match drawn.