In a dominant display at the Under-19 World Cup, Australia crushed Sri Lanka by 9 wickets to claim the top spot in Group A. The thrilling victory on Friday at Windhoek’s Namibia Cricket Ground not only secured their Super-6 qualification but also marked Sri Lanka’s first defeat in the tournament.
Sri Lanka, who had previously steamrolled Japan by 203 runs and Ireland by 106, won the toss but elected to bat disastrously. Their innings folded in just 18.5 overs for a paltry 58 runs. Early collapse saw them at 3/3, with captain Vimath Dinsara managing only 7 and Kavija Gamage 10. Chamika Heenatigala top-scored with 14, but no one else reached double figures.
Australia’s bowlers ran riot, led by Will Byrom’s sensational 5/14 from 6.5 overs. Charles Lachmund and KC Barton claimed 2 wickets each, while Hayden Schiller picked one. This bowling masterclass set up an easy chase.
Chasing 59, Australia lost Will Malajczuk early for 4, but Nitish Samuel (19*) and Steve Hogan (28*) forged an unbroken 58-run stand off 67 balls. They reached the target in 12 overs, with Rasith Nimesaro taking the lone wicket for Sri Lanka.
Prior wins over Ireland and Japan by 8 wickets each had already positioned Australia strongly. Ireland sneaked into Super-6 with a win over Japan, joining the top two. Australia’s commanding form makes them the undisputed kings of Group A, setting the stage for exciting knockout battles ahead.