Sri Lanka got off to a winning start in the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2024 as they beat Zimbabwe by 39 runs (DLS Method) in their first game of the tournament, played today (21st January) at Kimberley.
Zimbabwe Skipper Matthew Schonken won the toss and invited Sri Lanka to take the first lease of the wicket.
Sri Lanka got off to a terrible start with the bat as they lost half of the side for just 88 runs. However, Sri Lanka’s No. 6 batter Dinura Kalupahana and wicket-keeper batter Sharujan Shanmuganathan revived the innings, adding an 80-run partnership for the 6th wicket.
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There was not much of a contribution from the rest of the tail-enders as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 204 runs in 48.3 overs. Kalupahana was the top run-scorer for Sri Lanka as he made 60 runs off 55 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes.
Sri Lanka showcased a much better show with the ball compared to their batting effort. The islanders managed to strike early with the ball, dismissing 3 quick wickets upfront to push Zimbabwe onto the backfoot.
When Zimbabwe were reeling at 30/3, the rain interrupted the play. Thus, the target was revised as 129 runs in 22 overs. After the rain break, Sri Lanka strengthened their grip on the game to bowl out the opposition to just 89 runs, snatching a 39-run win as per the DLS calculations.
The wrist-spinner Malsha Tharupathi turned the game in favor of Sri Lanka, picking up 4 wickets for 17 runs in his 4-over spell. Kalupahana, who stroked a vital half-century while picking up a wicket with the ball, won the Player of the Match award.
Sri Lanka will play their second game of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup against Namibia on the 24th of January at Kimberley.
Brief Scores
Sri Lanka – 204 (48.3) Dinura Kalupahana 60, Sharujan Shanmuganathan 41*, Rusanda Gamage 31, Ravishan de Silva 31, Kohl Eksteen 3/40, Matthew Schonken 2/36, Newman Nyamhuri 2/50
Zimbabwe – 89 (21.1) Matthew Schonken 27, Malsha Tharupathi 4/17, Ruvishan Perera 2/2, Vishwa Lahiru 2/12
Result – Sri Lanka won by 39 runs (DLS Method)
 in their first game of the tournament, played today (21st January) at Kimberley. ){kind=link}