Sri Lanka kept their ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup dreams alive with a commanding five-wicket victory over South Africa, delivering a mature all-round performance in the Super Six clash at Bulawayo.
After restricting the Proteas to 261 for 7, the young Lions paced their chase with composure, riding on a brilliant century from Viran Chamuditha to seal the win in 46 overs and keep the second semi-final spot from Group 1 wide open.
South Africa built their innings around a gritty 116 from Jorich van Schalkwyk, whose patient knock anchored partnerships at the top, but Sri Lanka’s spin attack slowly tightened the screws. Leg-spinner Vigneshwaran Akash turned the tide with a superb four for 46, dismantling the top order and breaking the momentum just when the Proteas looked set for a bigger total.
The chase began cautiously before Chamuditha and Senuja Wekunagoda stitched together a decisive 143-run stand that flattened the pressure. Chamuditha’s classy 110, decorated with 13 fours and a six, showcased both temperament and timing, underlining why he is considered one of Sri Lanka’s brightest prospects at this level.
Though a couple of sharp catches triggered late nerves, Chamika Heentigala and Dulnith Sigera calmly guided the finish to ensure Sri Lanka moved to six points, keeping Afghanistan under pressure in the race for the final semi-final berth, while South Africa’s campaign ended in disappointment.
