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Key Takeaways
- 1📊 Chamuditha's 192 is the highest individual score in U19 World Cup history, surpassing Boyagoda's 191
- 2🏆 328-run opening partnership between Chamuditha and Mahavithana breaks tournament record for any wicket
- 3💡 Sri Lanka's bowling depth on display with eight different bowlers used, each claiming a wicket
- 4🔮 Sri Lanka tops Group A and moves closer to Super Six qualification with Ireland clash on Monday
"Sri Lanka captain Vimath Dinsara revealed just how satisfied he was with his side's first-up effort at the Under-19 World Cup."
Sri Lanka U19 delivered a statement performance at the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, dismantling Japan U19 by a massive 203 runs in Windhoek, Namibia. The dominant display saw the islanders top Group A after their first match, combining explosive batting with bowling depth that left their opponents helpless.
Historic Opening Partnership Lights Up Windhoek
The foundation for Sri Lanka's commanding 387/4 was laid by an extraordinary opening stand. Viran Chamuditha and Dimantha Mahavithana stitched together a record-breaking 328-run partnership—the highest for any wicket in U19 World Cup history. Mahavithana contributed a fluent 115 off 125 deliveries, but it was Chamuditha who stole the spotlight with a breathtaking 192 off just 143 balls, featuring 26 fours and a six. The 17-year-old left-hander surpassed compatriot Hasitha Boyagoda's previous tournament record of 191, etching his name into cricket history as the highest individual scorer in U19 World Cup cricket.
Vimath Dinsara added an unbeaten 44 off 24 deliveries to accelerate the innings in the death overs, showcasing Sri Lanka's batting depth.
Japan's Lone Resistance Falls Short
Chasing an imposing 388, Japan U19 managed only 184/8 despite a resolute century from Hugo Kelly, who remained unbeaten on 101 off 162 balls. The rest of the batting order crumbled under pressure, with Timothy Moore claiming three wickets for 43 runs being their only bright spot with the bat.
Sri Lanka demonstrated their bowling arsenal by deploying eight different bowlers, with each taking at least one wicket. This tactical flexibility and depth impressed captain Dinsara, who praised his opening pair's form.
"They're batting really well, we had a good start. I'm really happy with my team." — Vimath Dinsara
With qualification for the Super Six phase within touching distance, Sri Lanka will look to consolidate their position when they face Ireland on Monday, while Japan takes on Australia on Tuesday.
