U19 World Cup: Sri Lanka, South Africa Secure QF Spots

BASSETERRE (St Kitts): Sri Lanka sealed their qualification for the last eight stage with a dramatic three-wicket victory over West Indies while South Africa defeated Ireland by 153runs to also book their place in the quarterfinals of the ICC U-19 World Cup.

Dunith Wellalage took three wickets as Sri Lanka restricted the hosts to 250 before Sadisha Rajapaksa (76) Anjala Bandara (40) and Ranuda Somarathna's unbeaten 28 guided the Group D winners to a three-wicket success on Friday.

WI openers Shaqkere Parris and Matthew Nandu ensured they made a steady start, reaching the end of the fifth over for 20 without loss before Treveen Mathew removed the latter for seven.

Wickham reached his halfcentury before falling for 56.

In response, Sri Lanka lost opener Chamindu Wickramasinghe in the first over.

Sadisha Rajapaksa and Shevon Daniel got their side back on track before Daniel was removed for 34.

Anjala Bandara contributed 40 before his wicket fell with Rajapaksa (76) also falling the same bowler in the 40th over.

With 51 needed off 60 balls for victory, Shiva Sankar removed Wellalage (15) to set up a tense finale.

Mckenny Clarke bowled Raveen De Silva (13) but a nerveless 28 from 27 balls from Ranuda Somarathna saw Sri Lanka home.

In the day's other game, a blockbuster century from captain George Van Heerden propelled his side towards the Super League quarterfinals as South Africa defeated Ireland by 153 runs in Tarouba.

Van Heerden made 111 from 93 balls while Dewald Brevis better known as 'Baby AB' contributed 96 to take South Africa's total of 315 for seven from their rain-reduced 47 overs before bowling out Ireland for 158.