India U19 responded strongly to Sri Lanka’s total of 424 runs in the first innings through a 295-run opening stand between Lakshya Raichandani and Sagar Virk.
Lakshya and Sagar displayed immense composure with the bat despite fielding for more than 100 overs in the first innings. The duo tackled challenging conditions to keep Sri Lanka U19 at bay for 91.5 overs, registering the second-highest opening stand in the history of youth Tests. They added 295 runs together before Lathendra Akash dismissed Sagar, who scored 134 runs off 312 balls with 15 fours and a six to his credit.
The highest-ever opening stand in youth Tests is 391 runs, achieved by Gautam Gambhir and Vinayak Mane against England in January 2001. Lakshya and Sagar went past the Zimbabwean duo of Douglas Marillier and Mark Vermeulen, who shared a 268-run opening stand against England in 1997.
Michael Slater and Rob Kelly also feature in the list in fourth place, thanks to their 256-run partnership for the first wicket against New Zealand in 1989. The duo of Marcus Trecothick and Anthony McGrath complete the top five as they stitched an opening stand of 247 runs against South Africa in 1995.
Highest opening partnerships in Youth Tests
Partners | Runs | Team | Opposition | Venue | Year |
Gautam Gambhir, Vinayak Mane | 391 | India | England | Chennai | 2001 |
Lakshya Raichandani, Sagar Virk | 295 | India | Sri Lanka | Galle | 2026 |
Douglas Marillier, Mark Vermeulen | 268 | Zimbabwe | England | Northampton | 1997 |
Michael Slater, Rob Kelly | 256 | Australia | New Zealand | Adelaide | 1989 |
Marcus Trescothick, Anthony McGrath | 247 | England | South Africa | Taunton | 1995 |
As for the ongoing first Youth Test, Sri Lanka rode on a stunning double-century from Senuja Wekunagoda (233) to post 424 runs for the loss of nine wickets before declaring their first innings. In response, at the end of third day's play, India were 378-3, largely due to the 295-run opening stand between Lakshya (198*) and Sagar (134).
With only one more day remaining, the first of the two-match Test is heading towards a tame draw. Before the Test series, the two teams faced each other in three Youth ODIs as well, which Sri Lanka won 2-1 after losing the opening game.
Image courtesy: SLC via DailyNews
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
