South Africa exited the U19 World Cup without a win in the Super Sixes after suffering a five-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka in Bulawayo on Thursday.

Already out of semi-final contention before the match, the Junior Proteas produced one of their better performances of the tournament but were ultimately outplayed as Sri Lanka chased down a target of 262 with four overs to spare.

After winning the toss at Queens Sports Club, South Africa made a positive start with the bat. Jorich van Schalkwyk and Adnaan Lagadien laid a solid platform with a 96-run opening stand, giving the innings early momentum.

Van Schalkwyk was the standout, compiling a fluent 116 that included 13 fours and two sixes. His century anchored the innings during a middle-order wobble that saw South Africa slip from 90-0 to 125-3.

Sri Lanka spinner Vigneshwaran Akash applied the brakes with figures of 4-46, but Van Schalkwyk batted through until the 41st over before Paul James (37*) and Michael Kruiskamp (21*) guided South Africa to a competitive 261-7.

South Africa made early inroads with the ball when Kruiskamp removed opener Dimantha Mahavithana for four, but Viran Chamuditha and Senuja Wekunagoda wrestled control with a decisive 143-run partnership.

Chamuditha struck his second century of the tournament, scoring 110 off 94 balls to put Sri Lanka firmly on course. Although South Africa chipped away with wickets, captain Vimath Dinsara ensured there were no late scares as Sri Lanka crossed the line comfortably.

Photo: ICC