Sri Lanka made a thunderous start to their ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup campaign, surging to the top of Group A after a dominant 203-run victory over Japan in Namibia that showcased both depth and dominance.
The emphatic win was built on a record-breaking batting performance at the Namibia Cricket Ground, where openers Dimantha Mahavithana and Viran Chamuditha stitched together a historic 328-run partnership, the highest for any wicket in Under-19 World Cup history. Mahavithana struck a composed 115 off 125 balls, while Chamuditha went on to rewrite the record books with a breathtaking 192 off 143 deliveries, the highest individual score in tournament history.
Sri Lanka captain Vimath Dinsara was full of praise for his opening pair, highlighting the importance of the platform they provided.
“Yeah, they’re batting really well. We had a good start,” Dinsara said after the match, clearly satisfied with how his side set the tone in their opening fixture.
Posting a formidable 387 for 4, Sri Lanka then underlined their all-round strength with the ball, restricting Japan to 184 for 8. Dinsara rotated as many as eight bowlers, a tactical luxury that reflects the balance and variety within the squad, an asset that could prove decisive as the tournament progresses.
“It’s not difficult to decide who to bowl and when,” Dinsara explained. “We have so many bowlers in my side and it’s a pleasure for me to have that many options.” He added: “I’m really happy because this is our first game of the tournament. We have a good team, and I’m really happy with my team.”
The commanding win places Sri Lanka firmly on the brink of qualification for the Super Six stage, with an opportunity to cement their position when they face Ireland on Monday (19), again in Namibia. Japan, meanwhile, will look to bounce back when they take on Australia on Tuesday.
With records shattered, confidence soaring, and balance evident across all departments, Sri Lanka’s opening statement has set the tone, and sparked belief that this Under-19 World Cup campaign could be something special.
