Sri Lanka secure semi-spot in Under-19 Cricket World Cup

Ravindu Rashantha and Dilshan Madushanka combined to help Sri Lanka secure a plate semi-final spot with a 233-run win over Nigeria in the Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Potchefstroom on Monday.

The West Africans were bowled out for 73 in pursuit of Sri Lanka’s towering total of 306/7 from their allotted 50 overs.

Man of the Match Rashantha top-scored with an unbeaten 102, ably supported by Mohamed Shamaaz (56) and Sonal Dinusha (43).

After the match, Rashantha said: “I am very happy for the team and hope this good result can continue.

“We did not make it to the Super League stages and hope we can still make our country proud by doing well in the Plate stage.”

Abdulrasheed Abolarin was the pick of the bowlers for the Nigerians with 2/50 but his charges could last just 17.3 overs with the bat as Madushanka took5/36.

Sri Lanka will play the winner of the plate quarterfinal fixture between Zimbabwe and Canada that will take place on Tuesday, while Nigeria go into the plate playoff semi-finals and will take on the loser.

Brief scores:

Sri Lanka 306-7, 50 overs (Ravindu Rashantha 102no, Mohamed Shamaaz 56, Sonal Dinusha 43; Abdulrasheed Abolarin 2-50)

Nigeria 73 all out, 17.3 overs (Abdulrahman Jimoh 15; Dilshan Madushanka 5-36, Kavindu Nadeeshan 3-6)

In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo