Calcutta/Colombo: Arjun Tendulkar made his much-anticipated national debut on the first day of the four-day game between India U-19 and their Sri Lankan counterparts at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo on Tuesday.

Sachin Tendulkar's 18-year-old son needed only 12 balls to claim his maiden wicket, removing Sri Lanka U-19 opener Kamil Mishara. Arjun, who started the proceedings with the ball for India U-19, took the wicket in his second over after trapping Mishara in front of the stumps.

The left-arm pacer bowled an inswinging delivery and Mishara failed to read the line of the ball and got out having scored only nine runs. The India U-19 side then rode four-wicket hauls from Harsh Tyagi and Ayush Badoni to wrap up the Sri Lankan first innings for 244.

Arjun is also capable of coming up with useful contributions with the bat in the lower order. He was a part of Mumbai's U-19 squad in the Cooch Behar Trophy last season, where he picked up two five-wicket hauls and a four-wicket haul.

He returned with 18 wickets overall with an impressive average of 25.22 for Mumbai. Both his five-wicket hauls included the wickets of the opposition's top four batsmen.

Arjun's all-round abilities also caught the eye during Cricket Club of India's tour to Australia last year, where his presence in the tournament attracted quite a bit of media attention.

On Tuesday, Arjun didn't strike again in the innings and returned with figures of one for 33 after bowling 11 overs. But he was quite steady with his line and length.

After watching Arjun take his maiden scalp in international cricket, former India cricketer Vinod Kambli, who is also Sachin's childhood friend, posted an emotional message on Twitter.

"Tears of joy rolled down when I saw this, have seen him grow up and put in the hard work in his game. Could not be more happy for you, Arjun. This is just the beginning, I wish you tons and ton of success in the days to come. Cherish your first wicket and enjoy the moment," Kambli tweeted.

Sachin, after his son was selected for the India U-19 squad in June, had told The Telegraph in a text message: "We are happy at Arjun being selected in the Indian Under-19 team. It is an important milestone in his cricketing life...

"Anjali and I will always support Arjun in his choices and pray for his success."

Meanwhile, in the game, Pasindu Sooriyabandara top-scored with 69 for the Lankans. He hit four boundaries and three sixes, while Nishan Madushka, Nipun Dananjaya and ST Mendis got out after getting identical scores of 39.

The Sri Lankans, at one point in time, were going well at 73 for one and scoring at close four runs per over. But they lost six wickets for only 38, slipping to 244 all out from a reasonably good position of 206 for four.

At stumps on Day I, India U-19 were strongly placed at 92 for one. Captain Anuj Rawat hit a quick-fire 63 off just 59 balls before being dismissed in what turned out to be the last ball of the day. His opening partner Atharwa Taide was batting on 26.

India U-19 are scheduled to play two four-day matches and five one-dayers. The second four-day game will begin from July 24 in Hambantota, while the one-dayers begin from July 30 in Colombo and will be played till August 10.

Brief scores: Sri Lanka U-19 244 (P Sooriyabandara 69; A. Badoni 4/24). India U-19 92/1 (A. Rawat 63). Match to continue.