In a thrilling Super Sixes clash of the Under-19 World Cup 2026 in Bulawayo, Sri Lanka clinched a five-wicket victory over South Africa, keeping their semifinal dreams firmly on track. The win on Thursday at Queens Sports Club means Sri Lanka stays in contention to snatch a spot if Afghanistan falters in Group 1 alongside Australia.
South Africa, electing to bat after winning the toss, posted 261 for seven, powered by opener Jorich van Schalkwyk’s masterful century. Van Schalkwyk smashed 116 off 130 balls, laced with 13 fours and two sixes, anchoring the innings after an early stand of 96 runs in 18.4 overs with Adnaan Lagadien.
Lagadien fell for 46 off 57 balls, featuring six boundaries and a six. Van Schalkwyk then steadied the ship, adding 48 for the fourth wicket with Bandile Mbatha (12) and 34 for the fifth with Paul James. James remained not out on 37 from 36 balls, while Michael Kruiskamp chipped in with 21 not out.
Sri Lanka’s Vigneshwaran Akash shone with the ball, claiming 4-46 from 10 overs, supported by Kavija Gamage’s two wickets and Chamika Henatigala’s one.
Chasing 262, Sri Lanka lost Dimantha Mahawithana for 4 at 23, but Viran Chamuditha and Senujah Wekunagoda forged a match-winning 143-run second-wicket partnership. Wekunagoda made 48 off 63 balls with five boundaries, while Viran’s unbeaten 110 from 94 deliveries, including 13 fours and a six, lit up the chase.
Captain Vimath Dinsara added 32, and Henatigala finished not out on 20, guiding Sri Lanka home in 46 overs. South Africa’s Michael Kruiskamp and Corn Botha took two wickets each, with Paul James grabbing one.
This victory injects fresh momentum into Sri Lanka’s campaign, positioning them as potential spoilers in the race for semifinals.