SA U19s fall to six-wicket loss to India in tri-series

Steve Stolk led an improved batting display by South Africa Under-19 (SA U19) on Saturday, but it was still not enough as they slipped to a third defeat in three after their latest outing against India in the tri-series.

The right-hander finally converted a start into a half-century by striking an impressive 69 off 66 balls (5 fours, 5 sixes) and helping the hosts post 256 after they lost the toss and were asked to bat first at Old Edwardians Cricket Club in Johannesburg. 

However, India’s response was once again decisive.

Driven by captain Uday Saharan’s century (112 off 153 balls, 10 fours) and an unbeaten 76 (84 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) from Priyanshu Moliya they chased down the target comfortably with eight deliveries and six wickets to spare. 

It was their fourth win in as many games as they continued their dominance of the series, which is serving as preparation for the two teams, together with Afghanistan, for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 that begins on 19 January in the country. 

The home side, who next play Afghanistan in a must-win clash on Monday, will be desperate for their first win in that game, but also take plenty of encouragement from what was possibly their best display in the event thus far. 

After losing form batter Lhuan-dre Pretorius early for 16, Stolk built on his 25 and 46 in the previous two matches by putting on 81 with skipper David Teeger (17) for the second wicket. 

The pair took the score to 103 before both fell in quick succession to pick of the bowlers Musheer Khan (5-38).

A cluster of wickets fell at that stage with the home side suddenly finding themselves at 121 for five. 

Dewan Marais (32) and Romashan Pillay (24) then lead an initial recovery with Riley Norton (32) and Sipho Potsane (31) adding more late runs to lift the South Africans to their biggest total of the tournament thus far. 

Lions’ sensation Kwena Maphaka (2-49) put the hosts on top with an early double blow that left the Indians in a huge hole on two for two in the first over.  

But Khan (41) and Saharan combined for a stand of 90, which was followed by the captain and Moliya putting on 133 for the fourth wicket to completely take the game away from SA as India crossed the line in the penultimate over to seal a six-wicket win. 

South Africa are drawn in Group B for the World Cup, alongside England, Scotland and West Indies, who they begin their campaign against at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on 19 January. 

SA U19 Men’s Squad – Tri-series and ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024  

David Teeger (captain, Lions), Esosa Aihevba (Lions), Juan James (Western Province), Martin Khumalo (Easterns), Kwena Maphaka (Lions), Dewan Marias (Easterns), Nqobani Mokoena (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), Riley Norton (Boland), Romashan Pillay (KwaZula-Natal Coastal), Sipho Potsane (Lions), Lhuan-dre Pretorius (Titans), Richard Seletswane (Lions), Steve Stolk (Titans), Oliver Whitehead (Western Province), and Ntando Zuma (KwaZulu-Natal Inland).  

Youth Tri-series Fixtures

Friday, 29 December   

India U19 beat Afghanistan U19 by 6 wickets - Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg   

Sunday, 31 December   

South Africa U19 lost to Afghanistan U19 by 47 runs - Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg   

Tuesday, 2 January   

South Africa U19 lost to India U19 by 7 wickets - Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg   

Thursday, 4 January   

India U19 beat Afghanistan U19 by 9 wickets - Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg   

Saturday, 6 January   

South Africa U19 lost to India U19 by 6 wickets - Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg   

Monday, 8 January   

South Africa U19 v Afghanistan U19 - Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg   

Wednesday, 10 January   

Final - Old Edwardians Cricket Club, Johannesburg