Under-19 World Cup 2024
Lhuan dre-Pretorius hit a half century before Kwena Maphaka and Riley Norton combined to take all 10 wickets and set up South Africa Under-19 to a resounding 119 run victory over Sri Lanka under 19 in their key ICC Cricket under-19 World Cup Super Sixes match at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on Friday.
After put into bat first, the Protease started strongly, but the disciplined Sri Lankan team fought back with two crucial run outs to turn things around in the middle overs.
Lhuan dre-Pretorius hit a blistering 71 frombthe top order before being slipped to from 61/0 to 133/6.
However the tailenders managed to revive the innings and add almost 100 runs in the last 24 overs thanks to late unbeaten cameo by Riley Norton who chipped in with 41 runs off 69 deliveries to help south Africa reach 232/8 in their allotted 50 overs and give their bowlers a target to defend.
In reply, South Africa’s score of 232/8 proved to be more than sufficient, thanks to Kwena Maphaka’s impressive six-wicket haul and Riley Norton’s four-fer.
Despite a somewhat inconsistent performance, South Africa comfortably defeated Sri Lanka, rolling them over for just 113 runs and securing their spot in the semi-finals.
There was not much in the Sri Lanka scorecard with just four batters reaching double figures, while the rest were dismissed for single digit number.
Sharujan Shanmuganathan top scored with 29 runs.
For the Boys in Green Maphaka was exceptional with the new ball, quickly dismantling the Sri Lankan top-order. He continued to dominate throughout his spell, claiming the all important wicket of Dinura Kalupahana, who had been Sri Lanka’s most consistent performer in the tournament. Norton also made significant contributions, helping to wrap up the Sri Lankan innings.
Maphaka finished with six wickets, while Norton took the remaining four, resulting in Sri Lanka being bowled out inside 24 over.
This impressive victory secured South Africa’s place in the U19 World Cup semi-finals while Sri Lanka crashed out of the tournament after losing both their super six games.
Brief scores:
South Africa: 232-8 (50 overs) (Lhuan-dre Pretorius 71, Riley Norton 41*, Supun Waduge 2-28, Malsha Tharupathi 2-46, Vishwa Lahiru 2-44)
Sri Lanka: 113 all out (23.2 Overs) (Sharujan Shanmuganathan 29, Kwena Maphka 6-21, Riley Norton 4-28)