AMBANTHOTA: Chasing a target of 321 runs, India U19 beat Sri Lanka by four wickets in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Mahinda Rajapakse International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, with half-centuries from Sagarvirg, Lakshya Raisandhani and Kushagra Ojha.
Batting first, a 100-run partnership between Senuja Vekunagoda and Kavija Gamake both scored half-centuries as the home team amassed a mammoth total of 320/6 in 50 overs.
Vekunagoda scored 91 runs off 111 balls with 11 fours and a six and 77 off 70 balls with 7 fours and a six.
Apart from them, all-rounder Samika Henadikala hit 46 off 36 balls with 3 fours.
Kavya Paresh Patel was the pick of the bowlers for India U19 as he took 2 for 54 from his nine overs, while Mohit Ulva and Rohit Yadav chipped in with a scalp each.
Chasing a tough target of 321 runs, the visitors managed to easily knock down the winning runs with six wickets and four balls to spare thanks to a combined effort.
The tour team got off to a good start in the run chase as opening pair Sagarvirg and captain Yashpardhan Chauhan (31) put up a 53-run partnership before the latter were dismissed in the 11th over.
Virk then joined Raisandani in the middle and the duo put together an 84-run partnership for the second wicket before both were dismissed in subsequent overs to lay a solid foundation for a successful run chase.
Virk scored a cautious 57 off 75 balls while Raichandani played a blistering 52 that came off 56 balls and featured 5 fours including two sixes.
Following their back-to-back dismissals, Ojha took control of India U19’s streak and smashed 92 off just 67 balls with eight fours and five sixes.
Later, all-rounder Yashvir Gaut made India U19 proud with an unbeaten 33 off the second ball of the last over.
He shared an unbeaten 21 runs with Shavin Vinod who contributed 13 runs.
Sethmika Senaviratne and Gamage bagged two wickets each for the Sri Lanka Under-19 team, while Gukadus Madhulan and Dulnith Chikera bagged one wicket each.
A four-wicket win gave India U19 a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against Sri Lanka, the second of which will be played at the same venue on Monday.