Will Byrom’s ferocious ‘pounce’ tore through Sri Lanka as Australia romped to a 9-wicket victory, crowning them Group A champions at the Under-19 World Cup. The lopsided contest in Windhoek underscored Australia’s superiority heading into Super-6.
Sri Lanka’s decision to bat backfired immediately. Losing 3 wickets for 3 runs, they never recovered. Skipper Vimath Dinsara (7) and Kavija Gamage (10) offered flickers of hope, but Chamika Heenatigala’s 14 stood alone in a dismal 58 all out from 18.5 overs.
Enter Australia’s attack: Byrom’s 5/14 in 6.5 overs was spellbinding. Charles Lachmund (2), KC Barton (2), and Hayden Schiller (1) mopped up. The target of 59 was child’s play.
Will Malajczuk departed for 4 early, but Nitish Samuel (19 not out) and Steve Hogan (28 not out) cruised with a 58-run stand off 67 deliveries. Victory in 12 overs, with Rasith Nimesaro’s solitary wicket Sri Lanka’s only highlight.
Australia’s prior 8-wicket wins over Ireland and Japan paved the way. Ireland advances via their Japan win, while Sri Lanka stumbles after big victories. As Group A’s ‘badshah’, Australia gears up for greater challenges.