South Africa and Pakistan open their accounts at ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026
Sri Lanka continued their strong start to the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, making it two wins from two on an action-packed day that also saw South Africa and Pakistan register their first victories of the tournament.
Sri Lanka captain Vimath Dinsara led from the front with a commanding 95 as his side overcame Ireland by 106 runs, while centuries from Muhammad Bulbulia and Jason Rowles powered South Africa to a thumping win over Tanzania. Pakistan, meanwhile, were guided by a four-wicket haul from Ali Raza in a comfortable six-wicket victory against Scotland.
Dinsara shines in Sri Lanka victory
Sri Lanka chose to bat against Ireland but openers Dimantha Mahavithana and Viran Chamuditha, who both struck centuries in a record-breaking 328-run partnership against Japan on Saturday, fell for single-figure scores to leave the innings wobbling at 17 for two.
Captain Vimath Dinsara steadied the ship superbly, striking six fours and a six in a composed knock that ended five runs short of a well-deserved century.
He found valuable support from Kavija Gamage, who was run out for 49 following a sharp direct hit from Reuben Wilson in the deep, and Chamika Heentigala, whose unbeaten 51 guided Sri Lanka to a competitive 267 for five from their 50 overs.
Dinsara then made an immediate impact in the field, taking a diving catch at second slip to remove opener Freddie Ogilby. Callum Armstrong battled hard for his 37 before retiring hurt with severe cramp.
Dulnith Sigera (4/19) ripped through the Irish middle order, and although Wilson (32) and Olly Riley (31 not out) offered late resistance, Ireland fell 106 runs short. Armstrong returned to the crease to add two more runs before becoming the final wicket to fall.
Proteas power past Tanzania
South Africa batted first in Windhoek and Jorich van Schalkwyk was quickly into his stride, clearing the ropes five times on his way to 47 from 34 balls.
His opening partner Adnaan Lagadien made 32 before Muhammad Bulbulia and Jason Rowles combined for a superb 201-run stand, with both batters reaching three figures.
Skipper Bulbulia brought up his century with a six and soon after fell for a run-a-ball 108, while Rowles, following his 98 against Afghanistan in the opener, remained unbeaten on 125 from 101 deliveries, including 10 fours and five sixes.
Late fireworks from Paul James (46 off 18) and Lethabo Phahlamohlaka (16 not out off five) saw South Africa plunder 116 runs from the final eight overs to finish on 397 for five.
Bayanda Majola struck early in Tanzania’s reply, and with further blows from Rowles, who also effected a run out, the debutants were bundled out for 68 in the 33rd over.
Ali on song in Pakistan triumph
Pakistan opted to bowl after winning the toss in Harare, and Ali Raza made immediate inroads, clean bowling Theo Robinson and Max Chaplin in the opening over.
Scotland skipper Thomas Knight fought back with 37, but once Momin Qamar (3/46) removed him, Scotland slipped to 115 for six. A spirited seventh-wicket stand between Finlay Jones (33) and Manu Saraswat (25) added some respectability before the innings closed on 187.
In reply, Pakistan lost both openers early but a decisive 111-run partnership between Usman Khan and Ahmed Hussain steadied the chase. Usman struck 75 from 85 balls, while Ahmed contributed a patient 47.
Although both fell before the finish, captain Farhan Yousaf (18 not out) ensured Pakistan crossed the line with 6.5 overs to spare.
