The Under-19 World Cup 2026 heated up in Windhoek as Sri Lanka delivered a clinical performance, defeating Ireland by a massive 106 runs on Monday at the Namibia Cricket Ground. This result catapults Sri Lanka to the summit of Group A with back-to-back triumphs.
Fresh off a 203-run victory over Japan, Sri Lanka avenged Ireland’s earlier success against them indirectly through group standings. Ireland, who lost by 8 wickets to Australia previously, slips to third.
Sri Lanka, batting first after a toss win, started shakily at 17/2. Enter captain Vimoth Dinusara, whose leadership shone through a gritty knock.
He first built a 42-run alliance with Dulanith Sigera (22), then a vital 79-run stand with Kavija Gamage (49 off 111 balls, 6×4). Pushing further, Dinusara’s 95 from 102 deliveries (6×4, 1×6) paired with Chamika Henatigala’s unbeaten 51 for a 100-run fifth-wicket partnership, guiding Sri Lanka to 267/5.
Oliver Riley was Ireland’s best bowler with 2 scalps; others took one apiece.
Ireland’s reply was dismal. They folded for 161 in 40.1 overs. Standout scores came from Callum Armstrong (39, 3×4), Ruben Wilson (32), and Oliver Riley (31*, 35 balls, 2×6, 1×4).
Bowling maestro Dulanith Sigera returned stunning figures of 4/19, supported by Rasith Nimesar’s 3-fer. This emphatic victory underscores Sri Lanka’s batting depth and bowling prowess, positioning them perfectly for the knockout stages.
