U19 World Cup: Chamuditha's 110 ensures Sri Lanka keep SF hopes alive

Viran Chamuditha produced a match-winning century as Sri Lanka chased down 262 to defeat South Africa by five wickets with four overs to spare in a crucial U19 World Cup Super Sixes encounter in Bulawayo. The win keeps Sri Lanka's semi-final hopes alive while ending South Africa's tournament aspirations.

After Jorich Van Schalkwyk's 116 lifted South Africa to 261/7, Chamuditha's 110 off 94 balls formed the backbone of Sri Lanka's successful pursuit, achieved in 46 overs. The win provisionally takes Sri Lanka to second in Group 1, but they need Ireland to beat Afghanistan to secure a semi-final spot.

South Africa's Innings
Opting to bat first, South Africa's innings revolved around Van Schalkwyk's knock. He anchored the innings with 13 fours and two sixes in his 130-ball stay. He shared a 96-run opening stand with Adnaan Lagadien, who made 46 off 57.

Leg-spinner Vigneshwaran Akash was Sri Lanka's bowling hero, taking 4 for 46. He broke the opening partnership by bowling Lagadien with a googly and later dismissed Van Schalkwyk in the 41st over. Paul James provided late impetus with an unbeaten 37, helping South Africa past 260.

Sri Lanka's Chase
Sri Lanka's chase started shakily at 23/1, but Chamuditha took charge, racing to a 47-ball fifty. He shared a commanding 143-run partnership with Senuja Wekunagoda (48), effectively sealing the contest. Chamuditha reached his century in 90 balls, hitting 11 fours and a six.

Corne Botha broke the stand, dismissing Wekunagoda and later Chamuditha for 110. At 191/3, South Africa sensed an opening, but captain Vimath Dinsara steadied the ship with 32 off 38. Chamika Heenatigala and Dulnith Sigera then calmly finished the chase, with Sigera hitting the winning six.

Brief scores: South Africa 261/7 (Jorich Van Schalkwyk 116, Adnaan Lagadien 46; Vigneshwaran Akash 4-46) lost to Sri Lanka 265/5 in 46 overs (Viran Chamuditha 110, Senuja Wekunagoda 48; Corne Botha 2-37) by five wickets.