Bulawayo: Sri Lanka under-19 kept their 2026 U19 World Cup semi-final hopes alive with a thrilling 5-wicket victory over South Africa in their final Super-8 match on Thursday. The win puts them in a favorable position, with qualification now depending on the outcome of Afghanistan’s last Super-8 game against Ireland.
In Group 1, Australia has already secured a semi-final berth. Sri Lanka’s progression will be confirmed if Afghanistan fail to beat Ireland, while a win for Afghanistan would edge Sri Lanka out of contention.
Van Schalkwyk Stars for South Africa
The match, played at the Queens Sports Club, saw South Africa post 261 for 7, powered by an outstanding century from opener Jorich van Schalkwyk. Winning the toss, South Africa elected to bat, and Van Schalkwyk, alongside Adnan Lagdiyan, provided a strong start with a 96-run opening partnership in 18.4 overs.
Lagdiyan contributed 46 off 57 balls with one six and six fours before being dismissed. Van Schalkwyk carried on with a brilliant 116 off 130 balls, hitting two sixes and 13 fours. Towards the end, Paul James added a quick 37 off 36 balls, helping South Africa reach a challenging total.
For Sri Lanka, Vigneshwaran Akash was the pick of the bowlers with 4 wickets for 46 in 10 overs, while Kaviza Gamage took 2 wickets.
Chamuditha Leads Sri Lanka’s Chase
In response, Sri Lanka chased down the target in 46 overs with 5 wickets in hand. After losing Dimantha Mahavithana (4) early at 23, Viran Chamuditha and Senuja Wekunagoda stitched together a decisive 143-run partnership for the second wicket, putting Sri Lanka firmly in control.
Wekunagoda scored 48 off 63 balls with five boundaries, while Chamuditha played a match-winning 110 off 94 balls, including 13 fours and a six. Captain Vimath Dinsara contributed 32 runs, and Chamika Henatigala finished unbeaten on 20, guiding the team to victory.
From the South African side, Michael Kruskamp and Korn Botha took two wickets each, while Paul James claimed one.
With this win, Sri Lanka remain in contention for a semi-final berth, keeping the Super-8 stage alive and exciting as the tournament approaches the knockout rounds.
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