By Srian Obeyesekere

Sri Lanka won their second U19 World Cup match against Namibia by 77 runs in the U19 World Cup at the Diamond Oval, Kimberley in South Africa yesterday. Sri Lanka, put into bat, posted 133 in 37.5 overs with Supun Waduge showing the way in overcoming an early collapse top scoring with 56. Namibia was shot out for 56 in their turn in 27 overs. Sri Lanka U19’s main wicket takers were Vishwa Lahiru who claimed 3 for 19, Ruvishan Perera 3 for 3 and Dinura Kalupahana 2 for 8.

It was a tremendously praiseworthy effort by Waduge who anchored the Lankan batting in stalling Namibia’s early breakthrough after both openers fell cheaply. Pulindu Perera was run out for 3 and kipper Sineth Jayawardene exited for 10 bowled by Zacheo Vauren. Things got worse when Ravishan de Silva was also dismissed by Vauren for 2 as he accounted for both wickets in the space of two overs. However, Supun Waduge, taking strike at the fall of the first wicket, came to the fore in rallying Sri Lanka through. He hit 6 boundaries in his 79-ball knock.

Sri Lanka U19: (133 37.5 Overs

(Supun Waduge 56, Zacheo van Vuuren 4/23, Johannes de Villiers 3/19)

Namibia U19: 56 (27 Overs)

(Peter-Daniel Blignaut 18, Vishwa Lahiru 3/19, Ruvishan Perera 3/3, Dinura Kalupahana 2/8)