WINDHOEK: South Africa U19 Men have just one match remaining in their ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 campaign following a six-wicket defeat to Australia in their opening Super Six encounter on Sunday.
Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first, restricting South Africa to 118 all out in 33 overs.
Australian bowlers, Charles Lachmund and William Byrom, ripped through the South African top order, with only Paul James (34), Jorich van Schalwyk (26), and skipper, Muhammad Bulbulia (19) offering some resistance.
The modest target proved a comfortable chase for the defending champions, who sealed victory by six wickets.
Even though South Africa’s bowlers showed early defiance, claiming the prized wicket of Nitesh Samuel for his first dismissal of the tournament, the total on the board was ultimately insufficient.
Bayanda Majola and JJ Basson continued their effective partnership with the ball, with Basson leading the way with three wickets, while Majola was the most economical, returning figures of 1/23 in his 10 overs.
Reflecting on his innings, James said:
“When I went in to bat, we were around 50 for four, and I knew we needed to build a partnership. With Joe at the crease, I felt we could do something special.
“What worked for me was taking my time between balls, batting at my own pace, and not letting the bowlers rush me. I tried to be clear on what was needed.
“We always believed that if we could get a few early wickets, we had a chance, and we did manage that. The way our opening bowlers set the tone up front really helped. As a batting group, we need to back ourselves, play for the team and do what’s required of us.”
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 – South Africa won by 329 runs.
Thursday, 22 January – 09h30: West Indies v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek – West Indies won by 55 runs
Super Sixes
Sunday, 25 January – 09h30: Australia vs South Africa – NCG, Windhoek – Australia won by six wickets.
Sunday, 29 January – 09h30: Sri Lanka vs South Africa – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
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
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