India U-19 gave themselves time to force a result after leaving Sri Lanka 168 runs behind their mammoth first-innings total of 589 on the third and penultimate day of the first Youth Test here. The Sri Lankans were left with seven wickets to save the game hours after Ayush Badoni, batting at number seven, slammed an unbeaten 185 to help India U-19 to a position of strength.

After bowling out Sri Lanka U-19 for 244, India rode centuries from Badoni and opener Atharwa Taide (113) to score close to 600 runs and grab a first-innings lead of 345. In their second essay, the hosts dished out a much better performance, with centurion Nishan Madushka (104) leading the way with his fluent knock. Before that, Badoni, beginning the day on 107, continued from where he had left last evening and scored at will.