SA U19s lose by one wicket in YODI tri-series thriller

JJ Basson claimed four wickets before Bangladesh Under-19 Men clawed their way back to edge out their South Africa counterparts and clinch a low-scoring nail-biter by one wicket in the second match of their Youth one-day international (YODI) tri-series in Harare on Saturday.

After the SA U19s were bundled out for 128, the fast bowler took 4-33 in 10 overs as Bangladesh reached their target with nine wickets down – and all thanks to their key batter Samiun Basir’s unbeaten 45.

It was an incredible finish to the game, which ebbed and flowed from one side to the other with the South Africans narrowly missing out.

It means that Malibongwe Maketa’s side have now won one and lost one of their opening two games after their record-breaking 278-run win over hosts Zimbabwe in the competition opener on Friday.

In this latest outing, the SA U19s won the toss and batted, though they struggled to make any major impact and were all out in 34.4 overs at the Sunrise Sports Club.

They lost openers Adnaan Lagadien (7), together with the in-form Jorich Van Schalkwyk (10) as well as co-captains Jason Rowles (4) and Muhammad Bulbulia (13) inside the opening 8.4 overs to slip to 43-4.

Paul James (26) and Armaan Manack (28) worked hard to rebuild and initially did so successfully.

The pair strung together a partnership of 53 for the next wicket, allowing their side to recover to 95-4 in the 22nd over.

But both fell within the space of seven deliveries and despite a valiant 24* from Daniel Bosman, South Africa were bowled out with 15.2 overs of their innings still remaining.

Al Fahad finished as the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh with 4-32.

BASIR TO THE RESCUE

Then in reply, the junior Tigers raced out of the blocks, progressing to 21 for none after only nine balls.

But Bayanda Majola (3-35) started an extraordinary slide by removing opener Zawad Abrar for 20.

Basson got rid of captain Azizul Hakim and Rifat Beg (both for 5), while Majola cleaned up Rizan Hossan (2).

At that stage Bangladesh were 35-4. Things got worse for them when Farid Hasan (8) was given out for obstructing the field and MD Abdullah (14) was subsequently bowled by Basson.

That brought Basir to the middle and he then shepherded the tail by looking after his end.

He put on 31 with Fahad and then scored all 20 runs in a last-wicket partnership with Shadhin Islam (0*) sealing a memorable win.

SA U19 MEN’S SQUAD - YOUTH ODI TRI-SERIES AGAINST ZIMBABWE U19 AND BANGLADESH U19

Muhammad Bulbulia (captain, KZN Inland), Jason Rowles (captain, Lions), JJ Basson (Lions), Daniel Bosman (Western Province), Dayalan Boyce (Dolphins), Paul James (Western Province), Enathi Khitshini (Garden Route Badgers), Adnaan Lagadien (Western Province), Bandile Mbatha (Dolphins), Armaan Manack (Lions), Bayanda Majola (Dolphins), Kamogelo Phiri (Lions), Vihan Pretorius (Titans), Ntando Soni (Warriors) and Jorich van Schalkwyk (Titans).

RESULTS

Friday, 25 July

Zimbabwe U19 lost to South Africa U19 by 278 runs – Sunrise Sports Club, Harare

Saturday, 26 July

South Africa U19 lost to Bangladesh U19 by 1 wicket – Sunrise Sports Club, Harare

FIXTURES

Monday, 28 July - 9:15am

Zimbabwe U19 v Bangladesh U19 – Harare Sports Club, Harare

Tuesday, 29 July - 9:15am

Zimbabwe U19 v South Africa U19 – Harare Sports Club, Harare

Thursday, 31 July - 9:15am

Bangladesh U19 v South Africa U19 – Harare Sports Club, Harare