Sri Lanka’s young guns kept their Under-19 World Cup 2026 semifinal hopes flickering with a gritty five-wicket triumph over South Africa in the Super Sixes stage at Bulawayo. The Thursday clash at Queens Sports Club positions them to challenge Afghanistan for Group 1’s second spot behind Australia.
South Africa set 262 after opting to bat, driven by Jorich van Schalkwyk’s dominant 116 off 130 deliveries (13 fours, 2 sixes). The opener’s marathon effort followed a 96-run platform with Lagadien (46 off 57, 6×4, 1×6), then partnerships of 48 with Mbatha and 34 with James (37* off 36).
Kruiskamp’s 21* provided late flourish. Vigneshwaran Akash starred for Sri Lanka with 4/46, backed by Gamage (2) and Henatigala (1).
Sri Lanka’s chase saw early loss of Mahawithana (4) at 23, but Viran Chamuditha erupted for 110 from 94 balls, smashing 14 boundaries including a six, in a 143-run stand with Wekunagoda (48 off 63). Captain Dinsara (32) and Henatigala (20*) steered them to victory in 46 overs.
South Africa’s bowlers Kruiskamp, Botha (2 each), and James (1) tried valiantly. Sri Lanka’s depth and Viran’s fireworks signal a team ready for bigger battles ahead.