Meso’s maiden half-century powers SA U-19 Women to series clincher against Ireland

Player of the Match Karabo Meso starred with a career-best half-century as well as a stumping and three run outs, propelling the SA U19 Women to a decisive 58-run victory and an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match Youth T20 International (T20I) series against Ireland U19 in Tshwane.

Meso top-scored with an impressive 60 off 44 balls, featuring eight fours and one six, as South Africa posted a competitive total of 147/7 in their 20 overs. This was despite a strong bowling performance from Aimee Maguire, who claimed four wickets for 29 runs. Kayla Reyneke’s three for 10 and several run-outs then restricted Ireland to 89/9 in their allotted 20 overs.

After losing the toss and being put into bat, the SA U19s made a promising start. Openers Simoné Lourens (13) and Diedre van Rensburg (19) guided the hosts to 29/0 in the fourth over. However, Maguire and Lara McBride (1/29) struck back, removing both openers and dismissing Kayla Reyneke (0), leaving South Africa at 39/3 shortly after the powerplay

These wickets brought wicketkeeper-batter Meso to the crease. The 17-year-old combined effectively with DP World Lions teammate Diara Ramlakan (31), building a crucial 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket, which propelled South Africa past the 100-run mark in the 15th over.

Though Meso lost Ramlakan to Maguire, who struck twice in two balls to also dismiss Fay Cowling (0), the rising Rockville-born talent continued her charge, reaching her maiden Youth T20I half-century.

With support from Luyanda Nzuza (16), Meso helped add another 39 runs for the sixth wicket, pushing South Africa’s total to 140/5. Both Meso and Nzuza were eventually dismissed in the final two overs, with the SA U19s concluding their innings on 147/7.

In defending their total and aiming to seal the series, the SA U19 Women made a strong start with the ball. Spinner Reyneke and fast bowler Nthabiseng Nini (1/20), along with sharp fielding, dismantled the Irish top order.

Reyneke removed Freya Sargent (4) and Alice Tector (4), while Nini bowled Amy Hunter (6) before Reyneke struck again, dismissing McBride (0). Combined with the run-out of Annabel Squires (4), Ireland found themselves struggling at 22/5 by the end of the powerplay.

Facing a target of 125 runs from 84 balls, Ireland continued to lose wickets regularly despite determined efforts from Abby Harrison (21) and Ellie McGee (18*). Three additional run-outs and a wicket for legspinner Seshnie Naidu (1/11) further stifled Ireland’s chase, reducing them to 71/9 in the 15th over.

A late stand between McGee and Kia McCartney (11*) delayed the inevitable, but South Africa clinched victory by 58 runs, with Ireland ending on 89/9 after their 20 overs.

The fourth and fifth Youth T20Is are scheduled for Friday, 01 November, at the Assupol Tuks Oval in Tshwane, with matches set to begin at 09h30 and 14h00. Both games will be streamed live on Cricket South Africa’s YouTube page.

South Africa U19 Women Squad: Youth T20 International Series against Ireland (28 October - 01 November)

Jemma Botha (World Sports Betting Western Province), Fay Cowling (DP World Lions), Jae-Leigh Filander (World Sports Betting Western Province), Mona-Lisa Legodi (Fidelity Titans), Simoné Lourens (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Nthabiseng Nini (Glencore Dragons), Luyanda Nzuza (Knights), Diara Ramlakan (DP World Lions), Kayla Reyneke (World Sports Betting Western Province), Diedré van Rensburg (Glencore Dragons), Mieke van Voorst (Eastern Storm), Ashleigh van Wyk (Eastern Storm), Chanel Venter (Fidelity Titans)

Fixtures: South Africa U19 Women’s Youth T20 International Series against Ireland (28 October - 01 November)

Friday, 01 November

4th Youth T20I @ 09h30: South Africa U19 Women v Ireland U19 (Assupol Tuks Oval, Tshwane)

5th Youth T20I @ 14h00: South Africa U19 Women v Ireland U19 (Assupol Tuks Oval Tshwane)