Galli: Senuja Vekunagoda’s unbeaten double century helped Sri Lanka U19 dominate the opening day of the first unofficial Test against India at the Galli International Stadium on Monday.
At the end of the opening day at 344/4 in 89 overs with the help of Vekunagoda, Sri Lanka captain Vimat Dinsara decided to bat first.
However, the hosts had a mixed start to their innings as Kavya Patel dismissed both their openers Dimantha Mahavidhana (two) and Dulnith Chikera (nil) in three overs.
Following an early setback, Vekunagoda and captain Thinsara put on 143 runs for the third wicket to begin a stunning recovery which eventually culminated in the latter’s dismissal in the 31st over.
Dinsara was a significant contributor to Sri Lanka U19’s total, with a half-century of 52 off 99 balls with the help of 9 fours.
Vekunagoda put on another century partnership when he added 128 runs for the fourth wicket with Kavija Gamage, who scored 49 runs off 121 balls.
The top-order batsman was joined by Samika Heenadikala in the middle and they put on 70 not out for the fifth wicket to ensure the momentum was maintained in Sri Lanka’s favour.
At stumps, Vegunagoda was unbeaten on 203 off 227 balls with 31 fours, while Heenadikala was unbeaten on 33 off 77 balls.
Both will resume Sri Lanka U19’s first innings on day two as the home side aim to amass a huge total.
For India, Patel took 2 wickets for 54 runs in 12 overs while Pranav Raghavendra and Yashpardhan Chauhan took one wicket each.