Sri Lanka registered a comfortable victory over South Africa in their second Super Six encounter of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026, played today (29th January) in Bulawayo, to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
Having won the toss, South Africa opted to bat first and posted a competitive total of 261 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs. Opening batter Jorich Van Schalkwyk led the charge with a brilliant knock of 116 off 130 balls, which included 13 fours and two sixes.
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Sri Lanka’s bowling was spearheaded by wrist-spinner Vigneshwaran Akash, who delivered an outstanding spell to finish with figures of 4 for 46, putting the brakes on the South African innings and preventing them from pushing towards a bigger total.
Chasing a target of 262, Sri Lanka not only needed to win but also required a quick run-rate boost to strengthen their chances of reaching the semi-finals. The Sri Lankan batters rose to the occasion, producing a confident and composed run-chase.
Opening batter Viran Chamuditha was the star of the show, continuing his fine form by scoring his second century of the tournament. Chamuditha struck a superb 110 off 94 balls, which featured 13 fours and one six, setting the platform for a successful chase.
He received excellent support from No. 3 batter Senuja Wekunagoda, with the pair adding a match-defining 143-run partnership for the second wicket, effectively taking the game away from South Africa and setting the tone for the remainder of the chase.
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Sri Lanka went on to complete the chase comfortably, securing a crucial victory that lifted them to second place in the Super Sixes Group 1 points table.
However, Sri Lanka’s fate in the tournament will now depend on the outcome of tomorrow’s Super Sixes clash between Afghanistan and Ireland. If Ireland emerge victorious, Sri Lanka will qualify for the semi-finals. However, a win for Afghanistan will end Sri Lanka’s semi-final hopes.
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