Double centurion Raichandani stars as India U-19 draw first Youth Test vs Sri Lanka

Galle (Sri Lanka), Jul 16 (PTI) 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. 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. PTI AM AM BS BS