Hambantota: A spectacular unbeaten century by opener
Dimantha Mahavithana completely stole the spotlight, powering Sri Lanka U19 to
a dominant eight-wicket victory over India U19 in the second Youth ODI. The
high-scoring thriller under the lights perfectly set up a blockbuster,
winner-takes-all finale for the remaining match of the series.
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| Image Credits: Cricbuzz |
Opting to bat first, India suffered an early collapse,
slipping to a dangerous 11 for two within the first four overs. However, a
brilliant 145-run counter-attacking partnership for the fifth wicket rescued
the visitors, allowing them to eventually post a competitive total of 285 all
out in 47.2 overs.
Anvay Dravid, the son of batting legend Rahul Dravid,
top-scored with a spectacular 87 off 67 balls, hitting nine boundaries. He was
ably supported by Arjun Rajput’s fluent 76. Sri Lanka’s left-arm quick Gimhan
Mendis ran through the lower order, dismantling India's tail to finish with an
exceptional five-wicket haul (5/41).
Sri Lanka made light work of the 286-run chase, tracking it
down comfortably with two overs to spare. Mahavithana anchored the entire
innings with a masterclass 155* off 153 balls, building a massive 163-run
partnership with captain Vimath Dinsara, who remained unbeaten on 56 to take
the hosts across the line.
With this emphatic victory, Sri Lanka U19 bounced back from their opening defeat to level the three-match bilateral series 1-1. The two teams will now square off in the final decider at the same venue, with the series trophy firmly on the line.
