BENONI: Jason Rowles’ composed 98 off 93 deliveries proved in vain as South Africa U19 Men were bowled out for 238, going down by 28 runs to Afghanistan in their opening match of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup at the HP Oval in Windhoek on Friday.
Chasing 267 for victory, Rowles anchored the South African innings, holding things together as wickets fell around him.
Corne Botha, Daniel Bosman and Lethabo Phahlamohlaka provided late resistance with contributions in the twenties, but the target ultimately proved beyond reach.
Earlier, South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first. Afghanistan posted a competitive 266/8 from their 50 overs, built around solid innings from Faisal Khan (81) and Land Khalid Ahmadzai (74).
The pair shared a crucial 152-run partnership before Uzairullah Niazai added an unbeaten 51, ensuring Afghanistan set a defendable target.
Botha and Bayanda Majola were the pick of the South African attack, each claiming three wickets.
Reflecting on his innings, Rowles said the early stages of the chase required patience and discipline.
“It was quite tough up front, especially after losing a couple of early wickets, but I knew I had to stick in because the wicket got better as the innings went on. I felt I played the spin well and had clear boundary options, but unfortunately, I couldn’t take the team over the line, which is disappointing.
“We’ve learned a lot from this game, and one big positive is that we showed fight throughout. We’re prepared for the next match and won’t let this loss affect us. We know what we’re capable of in the bigger picture.”
South Africa U19 Squad: ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026
Muhammad Bulbulia (Captain-KZN Inland), JJ Basson (Lions), Daniel Bosman (Western Province), Corne Botha (Lions), Paul James (Western Province), Enathi Khitshini (SWD), Michael Kruiskamp (Western Province), Adnaan Lagadien (Western Province), Bayanda Majola (Dolphins), Armaan Manack (Lions), Bandile Mbatha (Dolphins), Lethabo Phahlamohlaka (Titans), Jason Rowles (Lions), Ntandoyenkosi Soni (Eastern Province), Jorich van Schalkwyk (Titans).
SA U19 Men Fixtures: ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 (15 January – 06 February)
Friday, 16 January – 09h30: Afghanistan v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek – Afghanistan won by 28 runs.
Monday, 19 January – 09h30: South Africa v Tanzania, HP Oval, Windhoek
Thursday, 22 January – 09h30: West Indies v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek
Tuesday, 03 February – 09h30: First semi-final, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Wednesday, 04 February – 09h30: Second semi-final, Harare Sports Club, Harare
Friday, 06 February – 09h30: Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare
Source: cricket.co.za
MSK Prasad – Born on April 24, 1975, in Andhra Pradesh, Prasad was a wicketkeeper-batsman known for his contributions in ODIs. He played a crucial role in the Indian team during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Bom Crossed
Bails, the horizontal pegs that sit on top of the stumps, are not attached to the top surface. Instead, they rest on shallow grooves on the free ends of the stumps. Bails are critical for determining if the wicket has been put down or broken. This in turn will help identify the status of the batsman, if he has been run out, out bowled, or stumped.
Stick Shift
A cricket game has two umpires in the field and one off the field.