Sri Lanka Dominates Japan in ICC Under-19 World Cup Opener

Sri Lanka has made a strong start in the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup, dominating Japan with a record-breaking performance. The opening partnership of Dimantha Mahavithana and Viran Chamuditha set a new benchmark, leading to a 203-run victory. Captain Vimath Dinsara praised his team's depth and performance, highlighting their bowling options. With this win, Sri Lanka is on the brink of advancing to the Super Six stage, with their next match against Ireland on the horizon. Read on to discover more about this thrilling encounter and what lies ahead for the team.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 18, 2026, 15:04 IST

Sri Lanka Leads Group A After Impressive Victory

Sri Lanka has taken the lead in Group A at the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup following a remarkable and record-setting performance against Japan in Namibia. The match showcased Sri Lanka's batting prowess and a diverse range of bowling talents, culminating in a commanding 203-run victory. This win establishes a solid foundation for the team as they aim to build momentum and secure their place in the next round of the tournament.

Historic Opening Partnership

The match featured the highest partnership for any wicket in Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup history, with openers Dimantha Mahavithana and Viran Chamuditha scoring 328 runs together. Mahavithana contributed 115 runs off 125 balls, while Chamuditha achieved an impressive 192 runs off 143 balls, marking the highest individual score in Under-19 World Cup history.

Captain's Praise for Opening Batsmen

Following the match, Captain Vimath Dinsara expressed his admiration for the opening duo, stating, "They are batting exceptionally well, and we had a strong start," as reported on the ICC website.

Comprehensive Team Performance

Sri Lanka's batting performance saw them score 387 runs for the loss of four wickets, while they restricted Japan to 184 runs for eight wickets. The team utilized eight bowlers, a strategy that could prove beneficial as they progress in the tournament. Dinsara remarked, "Deciding who to bowl and when is not challenging with so many options available, and I take pleasure in having such depth in our bowling lineup." He added, "I am thrilled with this win, especially since it is our first match of the tournament. We have a strong team, and I am very pleased with their performance."

Next Steps Towards Super Six

With this victory, Sri Lanka is on the verge of qualifying for the Super Six stage. They will have an opportunity to further solidify their position when they face Ireland at the Namibia Cricket Ground on Monday.