Muhammad Bulbulia struck the highest score of the match but it was not enough as South Africa Under-19 (SA U19) Men suffered a 130-run defeat to Bangladesh in the opening match of their three-game Youth One-Day international (YODI) Series in Benoni on Thursday.
The SA U19 captain recorded an excellent 72 off 79 deliveries (4 fours, 3 sixes) at Willowmoore Park, nearly half of the 155 all out managed by the hosts in pursuit of the 286-run target set by the tourists.
Opener Bulbulia was man alone with the bat, though, lacking support and which ultimately led to his side being dismissed in 32.1 overs.
🚨 MATCH RESULT 🚨
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) July 17, 2025
A contest that ebbed and flowed, delivering a captivating opening clash to the Youth ODI Series. 🔥
Plenty of positives for our SA U19s to take forward, with lessons learned, character shown, and opportunities to bounce back. 💪🇿🇦
🇧🇩 Bangladesh U19 claimed… pic.twitter.com/4XGVHpOgWt
However, there was one strong bowling performance from a South African earlier with JJ Basson grabbing 4-47 to help restrict the visitors to 285-6 after the home side won the toss and chose to bowl first.
That final total threatened to be far bigger earlier when Zawad Abrar (70 off 61 balls, 9 fours, 2 sixes), Rizan Hossan (63 off 55 balls, 5 fours, 3 sixes) and MD Abdullah (63 off 76 balls, 7 fours) put their side into a powerful position by each scoring strong half-centuries.
But from 228-3 in the 41st over, seamer Basson helped drag the Bangladeshis back in the final nine overs to keep the total well below 300.
STAR MAN FOR SA
The South Africans needed a good start to their reply and they got it through Bulbulia.
But he kept losing partners at the other end, starting with Jorich van Schalkwyk (0) and Armaan Manack (3), both of whom fell to Iqbal Hossain (3-26).
Then when Daniel Bosman was caught and bowled by Rizan Hossan (1-14), the home side found themselves in further strife on 42-3.
Kamogelo Phiri (8) and Vihan Pretorius (6) were then outfoxed by the excellent Shadhin Islam (3-29) making it 70-5, before Paul James (24) hung around long enough to help his skipper take the total past 100.
However, he too was on his way soon followed by the rest of the tail and the innings ended when star man Bulbulia was last man out to Islam handing the away side the series lead.
The series continues with match two at the same venue on Saturday.
SA U19 MEN'S SQUAD
Muhammad Bulbulia (captain, KZN Inland), Jason Rowles (captain, Lions), JJ Basson (Lions), Corne Botha (Lions), Daniel Bosman (Western Province), 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).
MANAGEMENT
Malibongwe Maketa (Head Coach), Blanche Conradie (Manager), Imraan Khan (Batting Coach), Paul Adams (Bowling Coach), Thabang Kumalo (Fielding Coach), Tumi Masekela (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Sheenagh Jordaan (Physiotherapist), Kyle Southgate (Team Analyst), Eugene Oppelt (Performance Psychologist) and Lita Gqirana (Media Manager).
RESULT
1st YODI - South Africa U19 lost to Bangladesh U19 by 130 runs – Willowmoore Park, Benoni
FIXTURES
2nd YODI - Saturday, 19 July at 09:30
South Africa U19 v Bangladesh U19 - Willowmoore Park, Benoni
3rd YODI - Tuesday, 22 July at 09:30
South Africa U19 v Bangladesh U19 - Willowmoore Park, Benoni