Despite what manager Dessie McCall described as a much improved performance, the Ireland Under-19 side lost their second match in the Youth World Cup, going under by two wickets to Sri Lanka at the CBC High School grounds in Johannesburg yesterday. Ireland face Pakistan tomorrow, but now seem certain to join seven other countries in next week's Plate competition.

Batting first, Ireland made 159 for nine off the regulation 50 overs. They had reached 133 for four off the first 40 overs, with Simon Carruthers and Carl Hosford contributing 35 and 33, respectively, before the tail fell away as only 26 runs were added and five more wickets were lost during the final 10 overs.

Sri Lanka made 163 for eight off 48 overs, though when they were on 137 for seven a major upset was possible, but a few spilled catches cost Ireland dearly.