In a dominant display of youthful talent, Sri Lanka’s Under-19 cricket team scripted history at the ICC Under-19 World Cup, demolishing Japan by a massive 203 runs. The star of the show was the opening partnership, which etched its name into the record books with an unbeaten 271-run stand – the highest ever for any wicket in U19 World Cup history.
Captain and opener Chamindu Dilshan laid the foundation with a masterful 142 not out from just 123 balls, his innings adorned with 14 fours and 4 sixes. His partner in crime, Dinuru Kalupahana, remained not out on 127 from 110 deliveries, smashing 13 boundaries and 5 maximums. Their aggressive strokeplay propelled Sri Lanka to a mammoth 317 for 3 in 50 overs, setting an insurmountable target on the challenging pitch in Potchefstroom, South Africa.
Japan’s chase never got off the ground. Despite a valiant half-century from skipper Habibullah Sherzad (57 off 72), the rest of the batting lineup crumbled under pressure. The innings folded at a paltry 114 all out in 35.2 overs, with spinner Wanindu Madushanka claiming 4 for 29 and off-spinner Malsha Tharupath claiming 3 for 21. This victory catapults Sri Lanka into the Super Six stage with momentum, while Japan faces an uphill battle for survival.
Dilshan’s knock wasn’t just about runs; it showcased tactical maturity beyond his years, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. Kalupahana complemented him perfectly, accelerating in the death overs to maximize the total. For Japan, fielding lapses and inability to build partnerships proved costly. As the tournament progresses, Sri Lanka emerges as a dark horse, blending explosive batting with disciplined bowling.