Chamuditha, Akash star in Sri Lanka’s win against South Africa

Friday, 30 January 2026 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Men’s U19 World Cup Super Six

A brilliant century from opener Viran Chamuditha, his second in the Men’s U19 World Cup and an excellent piece of leg-spin bowling by Vigneshwaran Akash saw Sri Lanka beat South Africa by five wickets to register their second win in the Super Six at Bulawayo yesterday.

South Africa put up a good fight, principally through their centurion Jorich van Schalkwyk (116 off 130 balls, 13 fours, 2 sixes) to total 261-7. But in the end, Sri Lanka were too strong, particularly Chamuditha with a match winning 110 off 94 balls (13 fours, 1 six) and also Akash, whose four wickets (4/46) were the key reason why South Africa couldn’t post something more imposing.

Sri Lanka must now wait and see what favours Ireland can do for them today. Afghanistan are strong favourites to join Australia in the semi-finals, but a defeat will allow Sri Lanka to join them instead. Sri Lanka are currently second with 6 points but with a net run rate of minus 0.113 which could go against them if Afghanistan beats Ireland and joins them on 6 points. Afghanistan has a healthier net run rate of plus 1.020.

Scores: South Africa (U19) 261-7 (50) (Jorich van Schalkwyk 116, Adnaan Lagadien 46, Paul James 37*, Michael Kruiskamp 21*, Kavija Gamage 2/61, Vigneshwaran Akash 4/46)

Sri Lanka (U19) 265-5 (46) (Viran Chamuditha 110, Senuja Wekunagoda 48, Vimath Dinsara 32, Chamika Heenatigala 20*, Michael Kruiskamp 2/59, Corne Botha 2/37)