Sri Lanka and Australia vie for top spot
Dinura Kalupahana leads the batter's list for Sri Lanka with 60 runs off two games, in addition to his three wickets
The ongoing ICC U-19 World Cup in South Africa has nearly reached its midpoint, with most matches in the group stage completed and the teams advancing to the Super Sixes determined. Sri Lanka and Australia, having both won their matches so far, have almost secured qualification from Group ‘C’ and are set to face off today at the Bloemfontein ground. The winner of this match will emerge as the top team in the group.
Sri Lanka, led by Sineth Jayawardena, may not be content with their performances in the two matches against Zimbabwe and Namibia, despite winning by 39 runs (D/L method) and 77 runs, respectively. In contrast, Australia, led by Hugh Welbgen, secured a narrow 4-wicket victory over Namibia in a low-scoring encounter and then dominated Zimbabwe with a massive 225-run win, placing them at the top of the points table and a superior run rate.
The Sri Lankan batting lineup raises concerns, as, aside from Dinura Kalupahana and Supun Waduge, who have scored half centuries, other players such as Ravishan de Silva, Rusantha Gamage, and Sharujan Shanmuganathan have failed to make an impact. This upcoming match will undoubtedly serve as a significant test, given the stronger opposition compared to Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The bowlers have been the match winners for Sri Lanka, defending low scores of 204 and 133, thanks to the efforts of Malsha Tharupathi, Vishwa Lahiru, all-rounder Dinura Kalupahana, and Ruvishan Perera.
However, the top order batting is yet to click, with players like Pulindu Perera, Vishen Halamabage, and skipper Jayawardena struggling to make useful contributions.
Australia will enter the game with confidence following their mixed performance against Namibia. After a tense chase of a low target of 92 runs, they found their stride against Zimbabwe, posting a formidable total of 296, with significant contributions from Harry Dixon, skipper Weibgen, Sam Konstas, Tom Campbell, Charlie Anderson, and Ryan Hicks.
They possess bowlers with the potential match winners, such as Callum Vidler, Harkirat Bajwa, Tom Straker, Mahli Beardman, and Aidan O’Connor. As both teams seek to end the group stage on a high note, the pitch, which has not met expectations, will undoubtedly be a crucial factor.
Meanwhile, the teams in the other three groups are also close to finalising their qualification for the next stage, with India and Bangladesh in Group ‘A’, England and West Indies in Group ‘B’, and Pakistan and New Zealand in Group ‘D’.
The Super Six stage will commence on Tuesday, with the two semi-finals scheduled for February 6 and 8, and the final set for February 11, with reserve days available for all three games.
| The Teams | |
| Sri Lanka: Sineth Jayawardena (Capt), Malsha Tharupathi, Dinura Kalupahana, Pulindu Perera, Sharujan Shanmuganathan, Vishen Halambage, Ravishan de Silva, Rusanda Gamage, Ruvishan Perera, Garuka Sanketh, Hirun Kapurubandara, Vihas Thewmika, Lahiru Abeysinghe, Duvindu Ranatunga, Dinuka Tennekoon Australia: Hugh Weibgen (Capt), Harry Dixon, Sam Konstas, Tom Campbell, Ryan Hicks, Callum Vidler, Charlie Anderson, Harkirat Bajwa, Mahli Beardman, Tom Straker, Aidan O’Connor, Harjas Singh, Raf Macmillan, Oliverv Peake, Corey Wasley |