BULAWAYO: Viran Chamuditha’s century kept Sri Lanka in the race for a semi-final spot at the ICC Under-19 World Cup as they registered a five-wicket win over South Africa in their Super Six Group 1 match on Thursday.
Chamuditha’s 110, laced with 13 fours and a six, saw Sri Lanka overhaul the 262-run target with four overs to spare as they moved to second place on six points, two behind already-qualified Australia. Third-placed Afghanistan have four points with a game in hand and a superior net run rate ahead of their final fixture against Ireland on Friday.
Already-eliminated South Africa opted to bat first at the Queens Sports Club with Jorich van Schalkwyk being the standout with 116 that featured 13 fours and two sixes.
He had a 96-run partnership for the first wicket with Adnaan Lagadien (46), while also putting on 48 for the fourth with Bandile Mbatha.
However, Sri Lankan spinner Vigneshwaran Akash took 4-46 as South Africa were restricted to 261-7.
A 143-run second-wicket partnership between Chamuditha and Senuja Wekunagoda (48) gave Sri Lanka the platform in their chase, and although they slipped to 206-4 Chamika Heentigala (20 not out) and Dulnith Sigera (15 not out) saw them through.
Published in Dawn, January 30th, 2026
