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South African pacer Kwena Maphaka has continued his purple patch in the Under-19 World Cup 2024. Maphaka took six wickets for 21 runs to help South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 119 runs and book a spot in the semifinal. They will face India in the knockout encounter.
Maphaka registered his third five-wicket haul (or more) in the ongoing tournament. The 17-year-old became the first bowler to take three five-wicket hauls in the history of the Under-19 World Cup. Earlier, Afghanistan's Shafiqullah Ghafari, Sri Lanka's Dunith Wellalage, Pakistan's Anwar Ali and Riaz Afridi, and Ireland's Greg Thompson have two five-wicket hauls each.
Earlier, Sri Lanka skipper Sineth Jayawardena won the toss and opted to bowl first. In-form Steve Stolk hit four boundaries before losing his wicket to Vishwa Lahiru in the ninth over. David Teeger got off to a slow start but got run out after scoring 10 runs. Meanwhile, Lhuan-dre Pretorius had reached his half-century. Pretorius got run out by Supun Waduge. He scored 71 runs from 77 balls including 10 fours. Waduge then dismissed Richard Seletswane and Dewan Marais. Skipper Juan James fell for a single-digit score to Lahiru.
South Africa were 133/6 after 26 overs. Romashan Pillay and Riley Norton helped South Africa recover after they lost four wickets for 28 runs. Malsha Tharupathi broke the partnership with Pillay's wicket. He dismissed Tristan Luus as well. From 198/8, tailender Nqobani Mokoena and Norton helped South Africa post 232/8. Mokoeana remained unbeaten for 18 off 16 balls. Norton scored 41 runs from 69 balls without scoring a single boundary.
Sri Lanka's run chase was dented early by Maphaka. The left-arm pacer dismissed Pulindu Perera and Waduge for ducks whereas Jayawardena departed for a single-digit score. Dinura Kalupahana and Hirun Kapurubandara scored in double digits but Maphaka in his opening spell took their wickets to complete his record five-wicket haul.
Sharujan Shanmuganathan and Tharupathi were the other two batters who scored in double digits. Norton joined the party and took four wickets in just five overs. Maphaka returned and wrapped up the innings with Duvindu Ranatunga's wicket. He took six wickets for 21 runs. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 113 in 23.2 overs.
Rain plays spoilsport but Australia advance
The other clash of the day between Australia and West Indies ended in no result as rain played spoilsport at Diamond Oval, Kimberley. Sam Konstas's century helped Australia post 227/8 despite a batting collapse. In the run chase, West Indies lost two wickets for 20 runs. In the fifth over, rain interrupted and eventually the game was abandoned. Despite the result, Australia have qualified for the semifinal. Their opposition will be decided on February 3.
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