Sri Lanka buoyed by growth at U19WC as they await semis fate

Broadcast details for ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup

The qualifer for the second spot in the semi-finals out of Group 1 in the Super Six at the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup will come down to whether Afghanistan can hold their nerve against Ireland.

Afghanistan are in the box seat, although Sri Lanka kept the pressure on by claiming a five-wicket win against South Africa, chasing down their 261/7 with four overs to spare.

Viran Chamuditha was the hero for the Asian side, smashing 110 runs off 94 balls, including 13 fours and a six. He opened the batting, with his side chasing a competitive total, and was devastating in the 30 overs he spent out in the middle.

Senuja Wekunagoda's 48 off 63 was another valuable contribution.

And while they knew they needed a dominant win to better Afghanistan's net run rate for the tournament, captain Vimath Dinsara, who made a handy 32 off 38 balls too, confirmed that they blocked out those machinations and focused on one thing; the result.

"We just wanted to (win) the game," Dinsara said post-game.

"We batted really well, Viran got a hundred and Senuja got runs. I think it went really well."

Dinsara was also satisfied with his bowling unit's performance.

He singled out the production of sharp-turning finger-spinner Vigneshwaran Akash, who claimed impressive figures of 4/46 off 10 overs. Akash also produced the breakthrough scalp of opener Adnaan Lagadien, after his and Jorich Van Schalkwyk's first wicket stand of 96 runs in under 19 overs threatened to propel South Africa to a mammoth total.

"Akash got four wickets and crucial wickets," he continued.

"We bowled really well."

Spin clearly worked for Sri Lanka, who played this game at a new location. After spending the first four-game stint of their campaign in the Namibian capital Windhoek, this was their first appearance at Zimbabwe's Bulawayo ground. Dinsara's side could feel the difference.

"The Namibian wickets are really good for fast bowlers, (while) these (Zimbabwe) wickets are a little bit slow," he continued.

Whether this is the end of the run at the World Cup for Sri Lanka or not, Dinsara is proud of the group's growth.

"Bowling, batting, fielding, all sides are good and I think it's improved (a lot throughout the tournament)."

All eyes now on Afghanistan, a side they beat on Tuesday, and their contest with Ireland to determine who will join Australia out of Group 1 in the final four knockout stage of the tournament.