A clinical Australia performance propelled them to the summit of Group A with a resounding 9-wicket thrashing of Sri Lanka in the Under-19 World Cup. This win guarantees Super-6 progression alongside the Lankans and Ireland.
Friday’s game at Namibia Cricket Ground saw Sri Lanka bat first post-toss loss, only to collapse to 58 in 18.5 overs. Three down for 3, captain Vimath Dinsara scored 7, Kavija Gamage 10, and Chamika Heenatigala 14—no one else impressed.
Will Byrom’s 5/14 dominated, with Charles Lachmund and KC Barton grabbing 2 each, Hayden Schiller 1. Australia chased swiftly.
After Will Malajczuk’s 4, Nitish Samuel (19*) and Steve Hogan (28*) added 58 unbeaten runs in 67 balls, finishing in 12 overs. Rasith Nimesaro claimed the only wicket.
Following 8-wicket successes against Ireland and Japan, Australia reigns supreme. Sri Lanka’s first loss ends their unbeaten streak; Ireland qualifies too. The path to U19 glory looks bright for the Aussies.