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Viran Chamuditha’s Century Keeps Sri Lanka Alive: Semi-Final Hopes Rest on Afghanistan’s Slip-up!
Summary: Viran Chamuditha's 110 leads Sri Lanka U19 to a 5-wicket win over South Africa, keeping them in the hunt for the semi-finals.
Bulawayo, Jan 29: In a high-voltage encounter at the Queens Sports Club, Sri Lanka U19 kept their World Cup dreams breathing with a clinical 5-wicket victory over hosts South Africa. The hero of the day was none other than Viran Chamuditha, whose masterful 110 off 94 balls made a challenging 262-run chase look like a walk in the park.
While South Africa’s Jorich van Schalkwyk struck a fighting 116, it wasn't enough to stop the Lankan lions. With this win, Sri Lanka jumps to 2nd in the Super Six Group 1 table, but they aren't safe yet. All eyes are now on today's (Jan 30) clash between Afghanistan and Ireland.
Match Highlights: Lions Outroar the Proteas
South Africa, opting to bat first, posted a solid 261/7. Jorich van Schalkwyk was the anchor, but Sri Lanka's Vigneshwaran Akash turned the screws with a brilliant 4/46, dismantling the Proteas' top order.
Sri Lanka's response was authoritative. Despite losing an early wicket, Viran Chamuditha and Senuja Wekunagoda (48) stitched a mammoth 143-run partnership. Chamuditha, showing why he is the tournament's standout find, smashed 13 boundaries and a six to reach his second ton of the competition. Though a late mini-collapse saw them 5 wickets down, Chamika Heenatigala (20)* and Dulnith Sigera (15)* finished the job in the 46th over.
The Semi-Final Equation: Do-or-Die for Afghanistan
With Australia already qualified, only one spot remains in Group 1.
- If Afghanistan beats Ireland today: They will likely leapfrog Sri Lanka on Net Run Rate (+1.020 vs -0.113) and grab the semi-final spot.
- If Ireland upsets Afghanistan: Sri Lanka officially books their place in the final four.
Super Six Group 1 Standings (As of Jan 30 Morning)
| Rank | Team | Played | Points | NRR | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 4 | 8 | +1.950 | Qualified (Q) |
| 2 | Sri Lanka | 4 | 6 | -0.113 | In Contention |
| 3 | Afghanistan | 3 | 4 | +1.020 | Must Win Today |
| 4 | West Indies | 4 | 4 | -0.421 | Eliminated |
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