Bulawayo, Jan 29 (.) Sri Lanka rode on a superb century by Viran Chamuditha to defeat South Africa by five wickets in a Super Six Group 1 match of the ICC Under 19 World Cup here on Thursday.
Chasing a competitive target of 262, Sri Lanka reached 265 for five in 46 overs, keeping their semifinal hopes alive. Opener Chamuditha anchored the chase with a commanding 110 off 94 balls, laced with 13 fours and a six, setting the tone early with an attacking approach.
After the early loss of Dimantha Mahavithana (4), Chamuditha added crucial 143 runs in the company of Senuja Wekunagoda, who contributed a steady 48 off 63 balls. The stand effectively took the game away from South Africa.
Despite losing wickets in the middle overs, Sri Lanka remained in control, with skipper Vimath Dinsara scoring 32 and Chamika Heenatigala (20 not out) and Dulnith Sigera (15 not out) calmly finishing the chase.
For South Africa, Corne Botha (2/37) and Michael Kruiskamp (2/59) were the most effective bowlers, while the rest struggled to contain the Sri Lankan batters.
Earlier, South Africa posted 261 for seven in their allotted 50 overs after opting to bat first. Jorich Van Schalkwyk played a captain’s knock, scoring a fluent 116 off 130 deliveries, including 13 boundaries and two sixes. He was well supported by Adnaan Lagadien, who made 46, as the pair added 96 runs for the opening wicket.
However, Sri Lanka struck back in the middle overs through Vigneshwaran Akash, who claimed four wickets for 46 runs, breaking the backbone of the South African batting. Kavija Gamage (2/61) and Chamika Heenatigala (1/29) also chipped in. Late cameos from Paul James (37 not out) and Michael Kruiskamp (21 not out) helped South Africa cross the 260-run mark.
With this victory, Sri Lanka moved to the second spot in the Super Six Group 1 standings. Their qualification hopes now hinge on Ireland beating Afghanistan in their match on Friday.
For South Africa, meanwhile, it has been a disappointing campaign, with the side managing just one win in the tournament so far. . . .