Friday Sep 18, 2026
Friday Sep 18, 2026
Tuesday, 14 July 2026 04:42 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Senuja Wekunagoda, the Josephian left-hander became only the third batsman from Sri Lanka to score a double century in an Under-19 Youth Test when he carved out an undefeated 203 on the opening day of the first 4-day U19 Youth Test against India at the Galle International Cricket Stadium yesterday.
Sri Lanka who won the toss and opted to bat first ended the day strongly placed at 344-4 with Wekunagoda who came to the crease in the first over following the dismissal of Dulnith Sigera for a duck batting virtually the entire day for 227 balls.
Wekunagoda is known for his left-handed batting skills and his ability to perform under pressure. He absorbed the pressure very well after Sri Lanka had lost their openers for just three runs, to fashion out an outstanding innings. Combining solid technique and flair he reached the boundary on 31 occasions to break the record of Sri Lankan cricketer Dinesh Chandimal for the most number of boundaries in an innings for Sri Lanka in Under19 Youth Tests. Chandimal did it 28 times during his innings of 184 against Bangladesh U19 at Fatullah in 2009.
Another Sri Lankan record awaits Wekunagoda when he resumes his innings on the second day today. He is just 11 runs short of becoming the highest individual scorer for Sri Lanka in Under19 Youth Tests which currently stands to the name of Yashodha Lanka, formerly of Richmond College, Galle who holds the record with 213 against England Under19 at the P Sara Oval in 2011.
The only other cricketer to score a double hundred for Sri Lanka in U19 Youth Tests is Charith Asalanka who made exactly 200 against Pakistan U19 at Hambantota in 2015.
Wekunagoda has been a model of consistency against this Indian bowling attack getting scores of 91, 60 and 67 in the three Under19 Youth ODIs before yesterday’s glorious knock. He demonstrated a striking ability to score runs quickly in white ball cricket while also maintaining composure in the longer formats, thus indicating a maturity beyond his years.
The seven Indian bowlers used had no answer to curb his stroke play. The only time they got close to getting his wicket was at 159 when he reverse swept and the fielder at cover point spilt the chance.
Skipper Vimath Dinsara and Kavija Gamage helped Wekunagoda in century partnerships, increasing the frustration of the Indian bowlers. Dinsara (52 off 99 balls, 9 fours) added 143 for the third wicket, and Gamage (49 off 121 balls, 9 fours) 128 for the fourth. A further unfinished stand of 70 has developed between Wekunagoda and hero of the third ODI, Chamika Heenatigala who is currently batting on 33.
Seamer Kavya Patel who made the early breakthrough for India, was their most successful bowler ending the day with figures of 2/54 off 12 overs. – [ST]
Scores:
Sri Lanka (U19) 344-4 at close (Senuja Wekunagoda 203*, Vimath Dinsara 52, Kavija Gamage 49, Chamika Heenatigala 33*, Kavya Patel 2/54) v India (U19)
