Wow, that SA Under-19 against SL Under-19 game in Bulawayo on January 29, 2026? Seriously exciting! Sri Lanka Under-19 needed a win to keep their semi-finals dream alive, and they pulled off an awesome run chase.

Viran Chamuditha, what a player. He smashed a century and basically won the game for them. Cool, calm, collected.

What happened at the Toss in Bulawayo?

South Africa Under-19 won the toss and decided to bat at Queens Sports Club. The pitch seemed pretty good – fair bounce, good for hitting if you played well, but still a bit helpful for bowlers who kept things tight. Word was that batting would become even simpler on in the day , so a big score was needed if batting first

Sri Lanka Under-19 had everything to win ; South Africa were already struggling.

Solid Start for SA Under-19

The South Africa Under-19 openers, Jorich Van Schalkwyk and Adnaan Lagadien, got them off to a flyer. They ran well between the wickets and put away the bad balls. Lagadien was aggressive, while Van Schalkwyk played it steady.

That opening stand of 96 gave South Africa a great base to push for something over 260, which looked like hard work on this ground.

Akash Changes the Game

Then things changed when Vigneshwaran Akash took a couple of quick wickets. First Lagadien, then the captain, Muhammed Bulbulia. Jason Rowles went cheaply too, and suddenly South Africa lost their way a bit.

But Van Schalkwyk hung in there, batting sensibly and finding the boundary when he needed to.

Van Schalkwyk Bats Brilliantly

Jorich Van Schalkwyk’s innings could not have been better. His 116 off 130 balls was top-class, with great shots all around the ground. He got his century under pressure, which was crucial for his team, South Africa.

Sri Lanka missed a chance when he was on 50, and they were made to pay.

South Africa Reach 261

After Van Schalkwyk got out, Paul James and Michael Kruiskamp added some important runs at the end. That took South Africa to 261 for 7, which felt like a decent score.

At halftime, South Africa Under-19 probably felt okay, knowing they had runs to defend.

Sri Lanka Under-19 Under Pressure

Sri Lanka Under-19 had a poor start when Dimantha Mahavithana was out early. South Africa’s bowlers started well and put the pressure on.

But Viran Chamuditha came in and calmed things down, batting positively and keeping the score ticking over.

Chamuditha and Wekunagoda Take Control

The key partnership was between Viran Chamuditha and Senuja Wekunagoda. They put on 143 together, soaking up the pressure and then taking the game away from South Africa.

Chamuditha attacked, smashing boundaries, while Wekunagoda gave him support. Their partnership kept Sri Lanka ahead of the run rate.

Chamuditha Gets a Hundred

Viran Chamuditha got to his century in style, off just 90 balls. His 110 from 94 balls was awesome, with 13 fours and a six. Such a mature innings, especially given what was at stake.

When he got out, South Africa had a sniff, but it was too late.

Sri Lanka Wins!

After Chamuditha was out, Sri Lanka Under-19 stayed calm. Vimath Dinsara scored some useful runs, and Chamika Heenatigala and Dulnith Sigera finished the job. Sri Lanka got to 265 for 5 in 46 overs, winning by five wickets.

That win keeps Sri Lanka’s hopes alive, though they need other results to go their way.

Good Things and Records

Viran Chamuditha’s century was definitely one of the best performances of the Under-19 World Cup 2026 so far. He bowled well earlier in the game too. What a great all rounder.

For South Africa Under-19, Van Schalkwyk’s century was a positive in a tough tournament.

Talking Points

Not much controversy, but people were talking about Sri Lanka’s missed catch off Van Schalkwyk. That was a big moment. Also, South Africa couldn’t really build on those early wickets they took during the chase, and that hurt them.

What the result means

Sri Lanka Under-19 now have six points in Super Sixes Group 1, so they’re still in with a shout of making the semi-finals. South Africa Under-19 are struggling, without a win, and out of the tournament.

My Thoughts

This game shows how important it is to stay calm and build partnerships in big games. Sri Lanka Under-19 knew what they had to do and trusted Viran Chamuditha to play his game. South Africa Under-19 showed promise, but they couldn’t keep the pressure on with the ball.

Chamuditha’s innings was incredible.

What’s Next?

Viran Chamuditha could be key for Sri Lanka going forward. He is cool and consistent. Senuja Wekunagoda and Chamika Heenatigala also look like good players under pressure.

For South Africa Under-19, Jorich Van Schalkwyk has potential, and the games will give him experience. These performances highlight the emergence of future international stars. Youth cricket is becoming more and more competitive around the world.