Wekunagoda's double ton gives Sri Lanka U19 strong start against India U19

GALLE: Senuja Wekunagoda's unbeaten double century helped Sri Lanka U19 dominate the opening day of their first unofficial Test against India here at the Galle International Stadium on Monday.

Sri Lanka captain Vimath Dinsara's decision to bat first paid dividends as the home side finished the opening day at 344/4 in 89 overs, courtesy of Wekunagoda.

The hosts, however, had a contrasting start to their innings as Kavya Patel dismissed both their openers, Dimantha Mahavithana (two) and Dulnith Sigera (zero), inside three overs with just three on the board.

Following the early setback, Wekunagoda and skipper Dinsara launched an astounding recovery by putting together a 143-run partnership for the third wicket, which eventually culminated with the latter's dismissal in the 31st over.

Dinsara remained a notable contributor to Sri Lanka U19's total with an anchoring half-century, scoring 52 off 99 deliveries with the help of nine fours.

Wekunagoda was then involved in another century partnership for the hosts when he added 128 runs for the fourth wicket with Kavija Gamage, who chipped in with a 121-ball 49.

The top-order batter was then joined by Chamika Heenatigala in the middle, and they ensured retaining the momentum in Sri Lanka's favour by raising an unbeaten 70-run partnership for the fifth wicket, which saw Wekunagoda bring up his double century.

At the stumps, Wekunagoda remained unbeaten on 203 off just 227 deliveries, studded with 31 fours, while Heenatigala was not out on 33, having faced 77 balls.

The duo will resume Sri Lanka U19's first innings on the second day as the home side aim to pile up a mammoth total.

For India, Patel has picked up two wickets for 54 runs in his 12 overs, while Pranav Ragavendra and Yashbardhan Chauhan have thus far claimed one apiece.