KEY POINTS
- Vigneshwaran Akash’s 4/46 restricted South Africa to 261/7.
- Sri Lankan opener Viran Chamuditha anchored chase with 110 off 94 balls.
- Victory keeps Sri Lanka’s semi-final hopes alive, contingent on Afghanistan losing their final Super Six match.
BULAWAYO: Sri Lanka Under-19 kept their semi-final hopes alive at the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup on Thursday with a five-wicket victory over South Africa in the Super Six stage, guided by a century from Viran Chamuditha and a four-wicket haul by Vigneshwaran Akash.
Chamuditha was named Player of the Match for his match-defining century, which delivered a vital two points in the high-stakes Super Six stage.
The victory at Queens Sports Club keeps Sri Lanka in contention for a semi-final berth.
After being asked to bat first, South Africa’s innings was built around a resilient 116 from opener Jorich Van Schalkwyk.
He shared a 96-run opening stand with Adnaan Lagadien (46), laying a solid foundation.
However, Vigneshwaran Akash orchestrated a middle-over slowdown for Sri Lanka, claiming 4/46 with his disciplined bowling.
Despite a late push from Paul James (37*), South Africa finished at 261/7, a total considered below par on a good batting surface.
Chamuditha anchors chase with flair
In reply, Sri Lanka’s chase was anchored by a sublime knock from left-handed opener Viran Chamuditha.
He crafted a match-winning 110 from just 94 balls, blending caution with aggression in a innings featuring 13 fours and a six.
He forged a decisive 143-run partnership with Senuja Wekunagoda (48), which effectively broke the back of the chase.
Captain Vimath Dinsara contributed a useful 32 as Sri Lanka reached the target with 24 balls to spare, finishing at 262/5.
Semi-final hinge on other results
The comprehensive win elevates Sri Lanka to second place in Group 1 of the Super Sixes with six points.
Their path to the semi-finals now depends on the result of the final group match between Afghanistan and Ireland.
Sri Lanka requires an Afghan defeat to secure the remaining last-four spot from the group.
