India U-19 produced an impressive fightback on the opening day of the second Youth Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo, recovering from a disastrous start to finish at 253/3 in 65 overs before rain and bad light brought play to an early close.

The visitors found themselves in deep trouble after both openers, Lakshya Raichandani and Sagar Virk, were dismissed without scoring, leaving India at 0/2.

However, captain Yashvardhan Chauhan and Kushagra Ojha steadied the innings with a crucial 122-run partnership for the third wicket.

Yashvardhan played a composed knock of 78 before being dismissed, while Kushagra remained unbeaten on 103, registering a well-crafted century under pressure.

After the skipper's departure, Manal Chauhan joined Kushagra at the crease, and the duo added an unbeaten 131-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Manal ended the day on 55 not out, putting India firmly in control heading into the second day's play.

For Sri Lanka, Gimhan Mendis claimed two wickets, while Sethmika Seneviratne picked up one dismissal.

Kushagra Ojha's Century Rescues India

Kushagra Ojha's unbeaten hundred proved to be the defining innings of the day.

After India's top-order collapse, the right-hander showed patience and maturity, rotating the strike effectively before accelerating as the innings progressed. His partnership first with captain Yashvardhan Chauhan and later with Manal Chauhan helped India seize the momentum despite the challenging start.

With seven wickets still in hand, India will look to build a substantial first-innings total when play resumes.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) also announced its Player of the Month awards for June, honouring New Zealand fast bowler Nathan Smith and England opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge for their outstanding performances.

Nathan Smith Wins Men's Award

Nathan Smith claimed the men's award after starring in New Zealand's 2-1 Test series victory over England.

The fast bowler finished as the series' leading wicket-taker with 16 wickets, including a memorable 9-wicket match haul at Lord's, highlighted by figures of 6/70 in the second innings.

Smith edged out India captain Shubman Gill and Bangladesh all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain to receive the honour.

After winning the award, Smith said contributing to New Zealand's series victory was the most rewarding part of his performances.

Danni Wyatt-Hodge Takes Women's Honour

England opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge received the women's Player of the Month award following a sensational run of form.

She scored an unbeaten 105 off 62 balls against Sri Lanka before following it up with an unbeaten 89 from 53 deliveries against New Zealand during the tournament. Wyatt-Hodge was named Player of the Match in both contests.

Reflecting on the recognition, the England batter said that playing a World Cup final at Lord's would remain one of the most memorable moments of her career.

How ICC Player of the Month Winners Are Chosen

The ICC Player of the Month awards are decided through a combination of global fan voting and assessments made by an independent panel comprising former international cricketers, broadcasters, and cricket journalists.