Sri Lanka Under-19 kept their ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 hopes alive with a well-timed performance against South Africa U19 in the Super Six stage at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, overcoming a challenging target to win by five wickets. The backbone of the victory was an outstanding century from Viran Chamuditha, whose 110-run innings under pressure ensured Sri Lanka chased down 262 with four overs to spare, significantly boosting their chances of reaching the semi-finals.
South Africa, batting first after winning the toss, posted a competitive 261 for 7 in their 50 overs. Their innings was anchored by Jorich van Schalkwyk, who played with remarkable resilience, scoring a stoic 116 off 130 balls. Supported by a steady 46 from Adnaan Lagadien, South Africa managed to build a platform that looked capable of restricting the Sri Lankan chase. However, despite posting a strong total, they were unable to maintain enough pressure with the ball to stave off Sri Lanka’s powerful response.
Sri Lanka’s reply was built around Chamuditha’s commanding innings. Displaying both patience and aggression, he navigated a tricky chase with maturity beyond his years, striking 13 fours and a six as he steadily took control of the pursuit. With Chamuditha at the crease, Sri Lanka kept up with the required run rate, knitting together crucial partnerships and neutralising South Africa’s bowlers during key phases of the innings.
Supporting Chamuditha, **Senuja Wekunagoda contributed a solid 48, and captain **Vimath Dinsara chipped in with 32, ensuring that Sri Lanka maintained momentum even as wickets occasionally fell. The partnership between Chamuditha and Wekunagoda was particularly vital, as it helped Sri Lanka navigate through a tricky middle phase when the pressure of the required rate threatened to shift. Thanks to their efforts, the tourists crossed the line at 265 for 5 in 46 overs.
The win not only showcased Sri Lanka’s batting depth but also their strategic resilience. After South Africa’s strong start, Sri Lanka’s bowlers responded with discipline early in the match and kept the Proteas’ score in check for much of the innings, ensuring nothing too daunting was left to chase. Leg-spinner **Vigneshwaran Akash was especially effective with the ball, taking four key wickets and breaking partnerships at crucial junctures.
This result marks a significant turnaround in Sri Lanka’s Super Six campaign. With the victory, they remain in contention for a semi-final berth, although their fate still depends on other results in Group 1. Afghanistan’s encounter with Ireland now takes on added importance; an Afghan win would see them leapfrog Sri Lanka into the last four due to net run rate scenarios. But Sri Lanka’s convincing chase has kept their own hopes alive and firmly in view.
For South Africa U19, the loss brings a disappointing end to their Super Six run, leaving them without a win at this stage of the tournament. The Proteas showed promise in patches — particularly with van Schalkwyk’s century — but ultimately could not defend their total under pressure.
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