Viran Chamuditha was brilliant with a match-winning century as Sri Lanka beat South Africa by five wickets in a crucial U19 World Cup Super Sixes match in Bulawayo.
Sri Lanka, who were chasing a difficult target of 262, achieved the target with four overs to spare, keeping their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals alive and effectively knocking South Africa out of the competition. This win puts Sri Lanka temporarily at the second spot in Group 1, but their qualification now relies on Ireland beating Afghanistan.
SL vs SA: Van Schalkwyk’s Brilliance Lifts South Africa to 261
Having decided to bat first, South Africa’s innings was anchored by an excellent knock by Jorich Van Schalkwyk, who showed maturity beyond his age with a composed 116 off 130 balls. The opener scored 13 fours and two sixes.
Van Schalkwyk was well supported by Adnaan Lagadien, who scored a fluent 46 before Sri Lanka managed to get rid of him. The two opened with a sound 96-run partnership.
Vigneshwaran Akash Dismantles SA Middle Order
The turning point for Sri Lanka’s bowling came in the form of Vigneshwaran Akash, whose clever change of pace was the deciding factor in the SL vs SA match.
- Akash got Lagadien out with a googly that was very deceptive
- Captain Muhammed Bulbulia was out cheaply for 9
- Akash took an impressive 4 for 46
Although Van Schalkwyk reached his hundred, South Africa lost steam as wickets began to fall around him. The pressure was further piled on by Kavija Gamage, who got rid of Bandile Mbatha, although Akash finally got Van Schalkwyk out in the 41st over.
South Africa’s innings was rescued by late scores from Paul James (37*) and Michael Kruiskamp (21), which enabled them to reach a respectable 261/7.
SL vs SA Chase: Early Wobble, Then Chamuditha Takes Charge
The Sri Lankan response started wobbly with the dismissal of Dimantha Mahavithana, but the rest was a batting lesson from Viran Chamuditha. The opening batsman counter-attacked aggressively, putting the South African bowlers under immediate pressure and turning the tide firmly in Sri Lanka’s favour.
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Chamuditha and Wekunagoda Seal the Match-Winning Stand
Chamuditha found the ideal partner in Senuja Wekunagoda, and the pair combined to fashion a dominating 143-run second-wicket partnership that more or less sealed the outcome of the SL vs SA match.
- Chamuditha reached his fifty in 47 balls
- He scored his century in 90 balls
- Completed his 110 in 94 balls, with 11 fours and a six
- Wekunagoda supported him well with 48
At drinks, with 15 overs, Sri Lanka were in a dominating position at 90/1.
South Africa Fight Back Briefly, Sri Lanka Stay Calm
A ray of hope emerged for South Africa as Corne Botha sent both Wekunagoda and Chamuditha packing in successive overs, leaving Sri Lanka with 191/3.
But captain Vimath Dinsara made sure there were no more hiccups, scoring a composed 32 off 38 deliveries to steer the chase along with Kavija Gamage.
Though South Africa managed a couple of wickets towards the end, Chamika Heenatigala and Dulnith Sigera saw the team home with ease, with Sigera celebrating the win in style with a six.
What This Means After SL vs SA Clash
Sri Lanka: Keep semi-final hopes alive, depending on other results
South Africa: Eliminated from the U19 World Cup
Player of the Match: Viran Chamuditha
Sri Lanka finished off the chase at 265/5 in 46 overs, gaining crucial two points in the Super Sixes phase.
SL vs SA – Match Summary
South Africa: 261/7
Jorich Van Schalkwyk 116
Adnaan Lagadien 46
Vigneshwaran Akash 4/46
Sri Lanka: 265/5 (46 overs)
Viran Chamuditha 110
Senuja Wekunagoda 48
Corne Botha 2/37
Result: Sri Lanka won by five wickets
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