U19 World Cup: Sri Lanka thump South Africa to keep semi-final hopes alive

BULAWAYO: Vigneshwaran Akash's four-wicket haul, followed by Viran Chamuditha's brisk century, led Sri Lanka to a comfortable five-wicket victory over South Africa in the ICC Men's U19 World Cup 2026 Super Sixes match at the Queens Sports Club on Thursday.

South Africa captain Vimath Dinsara's decision to bat first backfired as his team's batting unit could accumulate 261/7 in 50 overs despite Jorich Van Schalkwyk's anchoring century.

Van Schalkwyk remained the top-scorer with a 130-ball 116, comprising 13 fours and two sixes. He was supported by fellow opener Adnaan Lagadien (46), with whom he shared a 96-run partnership, while all-rounder Paul James contributed with an unbeaten 37 at the backend.

Akash spearheaded Sri Lanka's bowling charge with four wickets for just 46 runs in his 10 overs, followed by Kavija Gamage with two, while Chamika Heenatigala chipped in with one.

Set to chase 262, Sri Lanka comfortably amassed the total for the loss of five wickets and 24 balls to spare, courtesy of a brisk century by Chamuditha.

The left-handed opener led the way for Sri Lanka in the run chase, top-scoring with a brisk 110 off 94 deliveries, studded with 13 fours and a six and was thus adjudged the Player of the Match.

He was also involved in a platform-setting 143-run partnership for the second wicket with top-order batter Senuja Wekunagoda, who made 48 off 63 deliveries, hitting four fours and a six.

Captain Dinsara made a handy contribution in the pursuit, making a vital 32 off 38 deliveries with the help of four fours.

For South Africa, Michael Kruiskamp and Corne Botha bagged two wickets each, while James could pick up one.

The five-wicket victory kept Sri Lanka in contention to seal the remaining U19 World Cup 2026 semi-final spot from Group 1 of the Super Sixes as they climbed up to the second position with six points in four matches.

Sri Lanka will now need third-placed Afghanistan to lose their remaining Super Sixes match against Ireland to advance further in the 16-team tournament.