(ICC) Sri Lanka outsmarted South Africa by 146 runs to set-up a semi-final against Australia which defeated host New Zealand by 62 runs in the other quarter-final of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2010 yesterday.
Sri Lanka’s victory was set up by an outstanding batting display. Sent in by South Africa, and despite losing a wicket in the seventh over, Sri Lanka showed purpose and commitment to score 293-8 with man-of-the-match Banuka Rajapaksa putting up another good batting performance.
Rajapaksa top-scored with 79 off 78 balls including 10 boundaries. Rumesh Buddika (42) was an excellent foil for Rajapaksa as the two left-handers put on 90 runs for the third wicket in 16 overs.
Kithruwan Vithange (45 off 50 balls) and Akshu Fernando (28) continued the aggressive Sri Lanka approach, and with lower-order cameos from skipper Chatura Peiris (19) and Danishka Gunathillike (28 not out), the Asian side ended its 50 overs on 293-8.
In reply, South Africa lost two wickets by the sixth over when rain fell and briefly sent the players from the field.
At Rangiora, the much-anticipated clash between host New Zealand and Australia drew a large crowd but they left disappointed as the Kiwis were outplayed by a dominating Australia side.
Australia made a strong start to its innings – thanks to opener Nic Maddinson and man-of-the-match Mitchell Marsh who compiled a second-wicket partnership of 69 runs.
Marsh hit seven fours in a 59-ball 53 before he was run-out by a brilliant piece of fielding from Harry Boam.
Maddinson (37), Tim Armstrong (39) and Alex Keath (32) all made even contributions in the middle of the innings to lift Australia to 232-8.
