After a breathtaking comeback with the bat, the Sri Lanka U19s have bowled their way to a comfortable win against the Proteas.

SA were off to a flying start with the new ball, with left-arm pacer Kwena Maphaka knocking over both the Sri Lankan openers. It only got better as Sakuna Liyanage edged one to second slip off Matthew Boast, leaving SL at 25/3.

Shevon Daniel and skipper Dunith Wellalage dug in after the early setbacks and set up a vital 62-run stand to resurrect the innings. The reintroduction of Boast brought about the wicket of Daniel, shifting the momentum back towards the Proteas.

However, the success was short lived, as Wellalage and Ranuda Somarathne expertly took the game away. It was a true captain’s innings from Wellalage, who shifted through the gears and brought up a superb century, right when his team badly needed it.

An unbeaten 57 from Somarathne was just as crucial to posting a strong total. From 87/4 at the halfway mark to 232/6, it was an excellent turnaround for the Lankans.

It was a chance for South Africa to pick up the pieces and salvage some pride, but the chase had a rough beginning with the run-out of Jade Smith and Dewald Brevis trapped plumb in front off left arm spinner Wanuja Sahan.

Spin continued to dominate for much of the innings, as the all the Sri Lankan spinners were regularly among the wickets. Ronan Hermann and Gerhardus Maree scored quickly, but neither could press on and play the long innings to hold the chase together. Wellalage’s memorable match was topped off with the wicket of Maree, the top scorer.

Andile Simelane and Michael Copeland made handy 20’s, but such was the story of South Africa’s innings. Despite pockets of confident strokeplay, the momentum was arrested whenever they looked to wrest control.

South Africa’s next and final game will be the 7th place playoff on Thursday.

SL 232/6 in 50 overs (Wellalage 123, Somarathne 57* – Maphaka 10-1-60-3, Boast 9-3-21-2)

SA 167 in 37.3 overs (Maree 44, Hermann 34 – de Silva 5-0-14-2, Daniel 5.3-0-28.2)