Sri Lanka Under-19 will qualify for the ICC Under-19 World Cup semi-finals if Ireland defeat Afghanistan in their remaining Super Six group-stage match, with the final standings set to be decided on net run rate.
Sri Lanka’s chances of reaching the last four remain alive despite being bowled out for just 58 against Australia, a collapse that significantly damaged their net run rate and tightened the qualification race.
The young Lions are now dependent on Ireland to beat Afghanistan to progress, with the outcome expected to determine the final group standings and the semi-final line-up.
Sri Lanka Under-19 had earlier recorded key Super Six wins over South Africa and Afghanistan but still carry a negative net run rate, increasing the importance of the Ireland–Afghanistan clash.
If Afghanistan win, Sri Lanka’s qualification hopes will end. An Ireland victory, however, would see Sri Lanka advance to the semi-finals alongside Australia.
The ICC Under-19 World Cup semi-finals are scheduled to be played later this week, with the final set for Sunday. (Newswire)
ICC Report
Sri Lanka keep semi-final hopes alive by beating South Africa
Media release
Sri Lanka kept their hopes of reaching the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 semi-finals alive with a crucial victory against South Africa in Bulawayo.
The Lions chased down 262 to win by five wickets and put the pressure on Super 6 Group 1 rivals Afghanistan, who can leapfrog them into second place on Friday.
Afghanistan need to beat Ireland in the last group match in order to join Australia and two of India, England and Pakistan in the last four.
Chamuditha century carries Sri Lanka to victory
South Africa were already out of semi-final contention by the time they arrived at Queens Sports Club, with three defeats to fellow Super 6 sides already.
But that did not dampen their spirit and they made an excellent start with the bat after winning the toss.
Jorich Van Schalkwyk, who made a valiant century to underpin their innings, and Adnaan Lagadien put on 96 for the first wicket in just over 18 overs.
It needed something special to break the partnership and that arrived in the 19th over as Vigneshwaran Akash spun a googly back through Lagadien’s gate and hit the top of middle stump.
His departure for 46 sparked a mini collapse as South Africa went from 90 without loss to 125 for three, but Van Schalkwyk continued to impress.
He made 116, with 13 fours and two sixes, while those around him struggled, as Akash took a brilliant four for 46 to keep Sri Lanka in the match.
Van Schalkwyk fell in the 41st over, leaving Paul James (37 not out) and Michael Kruiskamp (21 not out) to take South Africa to 261 for seven.
South Africa made a promising start with the ball, as Kruiskamp dismissed Sri Lanka opener Dimantha Mahavithana for just four.
However, Viran Chamuditha (110) and Senuja Wekunagoda (48) steadied the ship and scored fluently in a 143-run partnership that proved decisive.
Chamuditha matched Van Schalkwyk’s 13 fours while hitting his second century of the tournament.
His 110 came in just 94 balls and marked a return to form following three successive single-figure scores.
He fell with the score at 191 for three but captain Vimath Dinsara (32) made a valuable contribution as Sri Lanka comfortably reached the target with four overs to spare.
Scores in brief
South Africa v Sri Lanka at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
South Africa 261/7 in 50 overs (Jorich Van Schalkwyk 116, Adnaan Lagadien 46; Vigneshwaran Akash 4/46, Kavija Gamage 2/61)
Sri Lanka 265/5 in 46 overs (Viran Chamuditha 110, Senuja Wekunagoda 48; Corne Botha 2/37, Michael Kruiskamp 2/59)
Result: Sri Lanka win by five wickets
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