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Chamuditha Century Powers Sri Lanka U19 Past South Africa, Keeps Semi-Final Hopes Alive

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Viran Chamuditha produced a match-winning century as Sri Lanka Under-19 secured a crucial five-wicket victory over South Africa Under-19 in their Super Six encounter of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, played in Bulawayo on Tuesday.

The victory keeps Sri Lanka firmly in contention for a semi-final berth, delivering a timely boost as the tournament enters its decisive phase.

After winning the toss, South Africa opted to bat first and posted a competitive 261 for 7 from their 50 overs. Opener Jorich Van Schalkwyk anchored the innings with a composed 116 off 130 deliveries, striking 13 fours and two sixes while holding the innings together after early pressure.

Adnaan Lagadien provided support with a steady 46, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers ensured South Africa were unable to fully capitalise. Left-arm seamer Vigneshwaran Akash led the attack with an impressive spell, finishing with 4 for 46, removing key batters at crucial stages. Chamika Heenatigala delivered a disciplined performance, conceding just 29 runs in his 10 overs, while Kavija Gamage chipped in with two wickets to restrict South Africa in the latter overs.

In reply, Sri Lanka produced a controlled and confident chase, driven by opener Viran Chamuditha, who displayed maturity and composure beyond his years. Chamuditha dominated the bowling attack with a superb 110 off 94 balls, laced with 13 boundaries and a six, keeping Sri Lanka comfortably ahead of the required rate.

After the early dismissal of Dimantha Mahavithana, Chamuditha found strong support from Senuja Wekunagoda, who contributed a valuable 48, as the pair laid a solid foundation for the chase. Although wickets fell during the middle overs, Sri Lanka maintained control of the contest.

Captain Vimath Dinsara added a brisk 32, while Chamika Heenatigala and Dulnith Sigera showed calm heads in the closing stages to guide Sri Lanka home. The target was reached in the 46th over, with Sri Lanka finishing on 265 for 5, sealing victory with four overs to spare.

The result keeps Sri Lanka Under-19’s semi-final ambitions alive as they look to build further momentum in the Super Six stage of the tournament.

Brief Scores

South Africa Under-19s 261/7 (50 overs)
Jorich Van Schalkwyk 116, Adnaan Lagadien 46
Vigneshwaran Akash 4/46, Kavija Gamage 2/61

Sri Lanka Under-19s 265/5 (46 overs)
Viran Chamuditha 110, Senuja Wekunagoda 48
Corne Botha 2/37, Michael Kruiskamp 2/59

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ICC Delegation Holds Key Talks With President on Cricket Reforms

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Senior representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC) met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo yesterday as discussions intensified over the future of cricket administration in Sri Lanka.

The ICC delegation, which includes Imran Khwaja and Devajit Sakia, is currently in the country following recent changes within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). Their visit comes amid growing attention on governance reforms and the restructuring of the national cricket administration.

During their stay, ICC officials also held meetings with members of the newly appointed SLC administration at the board’s headquarters, where discussions focused on restoring stability and strengthening the management framework of Sri Lankan cricket.

The latest developments follow the appointment of a nine-member Cricket Transformation Committee by Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage after the resignation of the previous SLC leadership.

The committee, chaired by Eran Wickremaratne, has been entrusted with overseeing the administration of the sport and implementing a series of reforms until new elections are conducted.

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ICC Team to Visit Sri Lanka Amid Cricket Administration Shake-Up

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A delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC), including a senior representative linked to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka this weekend as attention grows over recent changes to the country’s cricket administration.

According to India’s Press Trust of India (PTI), ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja is expected in Colombo on Friday night, with another top ICC official who also serves in a leading capacity within the BCCI due to arrive on Saturday.

The visit comes in the wake of the Sri Lankan government’s decision to appoint an interim committee to manage the affairs of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) following the resignation of its leadership.

Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage confirmed during a televised interview that discussions with ICC representatives are expected to take place in the coming days regarding the future direction of cricket administration in the country.

The newly appointed nine-member interim body was established on April 29 after SLC President Shammi Silva and members of the Executive Committee stepped down from office.
Government officials say the temporary panel will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day cricket operations, introducing administrative reforms, and preparing the groundwork for fresh elections within Sri Lanka Cricket.

The ICC visit is expected to focus on governance issues, the transition process, and the stability of cricket administration during the interim period.

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LPL 2026 Opening Game between Jaffna and Galle

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The inaugural game of the Lanka Premier League 2026 will be played between the Jaffna and Galle teams, who emerged as the Champions and Runners-up respectively in the 2024 season.

The opening game is scheduled to be played on 17th July at the SSC Grounds, commencing at
7.30 p.m.

Prior to the start of the tournament opener, a spectacular opening ceremony will be held at the SSC Grounds in Colombo.
The Lanka Premier League 2026 will be played from 17th July to 8th August across four venues: SSC, Colombo; RDICS, Dambulla; PICS, Pallekele; and RPICS, Colombo.

The tournament is conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the owner of the LPL, in partnership with The IPG Group, the event rights holder.

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