Liam Alder, Juan James and David Teeger all made telling contributions as South Africa Under-19s suffered a telling three-wicket defeat in the decisive fifth and final one-day match against Bangladesh U19s in Rajshahi on Monday.
The hosts won the game with 17 deliveries to spare to clinch a closely-fought series 3-2 at the Shahid Kamruzzaman Stadium.
The final match saw the tourists bat first after they lost the toss and they were subsequently dismissed for 210 in the final over with Teeger top-scoring with 63 off 89 balls (3 fours). Bangladeshi captain Mahfuzur Rabby was the pick of the bowlers with three for 43.
In reply, the outstanding Alder (4/23) and captain James (3/32) chipped away regularly with their shared seven wickets, but Adil Bin Siddik (58 off 70 balls, 7 fours, 1 six) and Ariful Islam (68 off 76 balls, 5 fours, 1 six) playing crucial roles that ensured the home side emerged victorious.
It was a disappointing end to an encouraging trip for Malibongwe Maketa’s charges, who were using the tour as preparation for the 2024 ICC U19 Men’s World Cup in Sri Lanka.
They led the series each time until the final game when their batting let them down after they were bowled out in with two balls to spare.
Only Teeger shone with his half century with wickets tumbling regularly around him. Skipper James’ 32 was the next best score, while Richard Seletswane hit 27 and Alder got 20.
In reply, the South Africans nabbed two early wickets through Alder, but an 87-run third wicket partnership between the two half-centurions Islam and Siddik took the game away from the visitors.
The pair took the score to 135 for two, before the away side dug deep to pull the game back by claiming five for 54.
But Rabby (15*) and Rafiuzzaman Rafi (7*) carried their side over the line.
SA U19s Men’s squad against Bangladesh
Liam Alder (Warriors), Esa Gangat (Eastern Province), Thebe Gazide (Lions), Bennie Hansen (Western Province), Juan James (Western Province), Tristan Luus (Titans), Kwena Maphaka (Lions), Dewan Marias (Easterns), Romashan Pillay (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), Sipho Potsane (Lions), Lhuan-dre Pretorius (Lions), Richard Seletswane (Lions), David Teeger (Lions), Johnathan van Zyl (KwaZulu-Natal Inland), Oliver Whitehead (Western Province).
Non-traveling reserves
Martin Khumalo (Easterns), Riley Norton (Boland), Ntando Zuma (KwaZulu-Natal Inland).
Management
Malibongwe Maketa (Head Coach), Blanche Conradie (Team Manager), Thabang Kumalo (Fielding Coach), Justin Sammons (Batting Coach), Paul Adams (Bowling consultant), Curtly Diesel (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Sheenagh Jordaan (Physiotherapist), Kyle Southgate (Performance Analyst).
Tour Itinerary
Thursday, 06 July
Bangladesh U19s lost to South Africa U19s by 10 runs (DLS Method) at SANS in Khulna
Sunday, 09 July
Bangladesh U19s beat South Africa U19s by 14 runs at SANS in Khulna
Tuesday, 11 July
Bangladesh U19s lost to South Africa U19s by 4 wickets (DLS Method) at SANS in Khulna
Friday, 14 July
Bangladesh U19s beat South Africa U19s by 4 wickets at SKS in Rajshahi
Monday, 17 July
Bangladesh U19s beat South Africa U19s by 3 wickets at SKS in Rajshahi