India U-19s close in on victory as Badoni makes merry

Ayush Badoni scores an unbeaten 185 as the Indians tighten the noose around Sri Lanka U-19s in the first Youth ‘Test’ in Colombo.

Representative Image: Ayush Badoni struck 19 boundaries and four sixes in his knock of 185.

After consolidating their position on Day Three, India U-19s would back themselves to collect victory against Sri Lanka U-19s in the first Youth ‘Test’ in Colombo.

At stumps, the host was positioned at 177 for 3, requiring another 168 runs to make the Indians bat again. Nishan Madushka led the way with his fluent knock of 104.

Brilliant Badoni

Ayush Badoni was the star of the day; batting at No. 7, he slammed an unbeaten 185 to help his team to a position of strength. After bowling out the Sri Lankans for 244, India rode on centuries from Badoni and opener Atharwa Taide (113) to grab a first-innings lead of 345.

Badoni, who began the day on 107, continued from where he had left last evening and scored at will. He struck 19 boundaries and four sixes during his 205-ball run knock.

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Sachin Tendulkar’s son Arjun, who grabbed the limelight after a tidy spell on his debut, failed to get off the mark with the bat. He faced 11 deliveries before being dismissed by Shashika Dulshan. Off-spinner Kalhara Senarathne was the most successful bowler for the Sri Lankans, returning figures of 6 for 170 in 38.5 overs.

India’s Mohit Jangra picked up all three wickets in the second innings even as the Sri Lankans provided better resistance.

• Sri Lanka U-19s 244 and 177 for 3 (N. Madushka 104; Jangra 3 for 53) trail India U-19s 589 (Badoni 185*, Taide 113, Wadhera 82, Rawat 63; K. Senaratne 6 for 170) by 168 runs.