BULAWAYO: South Africa U19 Men concluded their ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup journey against Sri Lanka at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, on Thursday after a challenging campaign.
SA had opted to bat first, with a classy century from opener Jorich van Schalwyk, who struck a composed 116, laying a solid foundation alongside Adnaan Lagadien (46).
The pair added 96 runs for the opening wicket before Lagadien was dismissed by V. Akash in the 19th over.
Van Schalwyk continued to anchor the innings despite the early losses of skipper Muhammad Bulbulia and Jason Rowles.
He found valuable support in Bandile Mbatha, with the pair adding a solid 48 runs.
Paul James (37*) and Michael Kruiskamp (21*) late cameo also ensured South Africa closed their innings on a competitive 261/7.
Sri Lanka, however, made light work of the chase. A decisive 143-run partnership between Viran Chamudita (116) and Senuja Wekunagoda (48) shifted the momentum firmly away from South Africa, guiding them to 265/5.
Despite encouraging individual performances across the tournament, the team went down by five wickets.
SA U19 Men’s Head Coach, Malibongwe Maketa, noted that this campaign highlighted both the demands of elite age-group cricket and the importance of continued growth as the Junior Proteas transition along the national pathway.
“We had a very disappointing campaign this year. Across the tournament, we had moments in most games where we could really wrestle control and take charge, but in those tough moments, we weren’t quite up for it.
“However, there were also some positive and encouraging performances from several players like Jason Rowles, JJ Basson, and Bayanda Majola. They’ve shown real growth, and we’re excited about their development.
“This programme is about supporting players as they transition from school cricket into professional cricket. We’ll continue to support all of them through domestic cricket opportunities, camps, and tours, because we believe there is a lot of talent and skill in this group,” said Maketa.
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.
Thursday, 29 January – 09h30: Sri Lanka vs South Africa – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo – Sri Lanka won by five wickets.
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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