Bulbulia ton powers SA U19s to big win over Zimbabwe

A dashing century by Muhammad Bulbulia helped power South Africa Under-19 (SA U19) Men to a second win in three games in their Youth One-Day International (YODI) tri-series – the latest victory by 107 runs coming against hosts Zimbabwe in Harare on Tuesday.

The captain played a key role by powering 130 off 93 balls (11x4, 1x6) as the tourists amassed 346/9 after they lost the toss and were put in to bat first.

The in-form Jorich van Schalkwyk (63 off 62 balls, 6x4) was again amongst the runs with another half-century, while Adnaan Lagadien plundered 58 off 36 balls (12x4).

Then in reply, Enathi Khitshini claimed 3/34 as the home side were restricted to 239/9.

It was just the response South Africa were looking for after they were narrowly edged out by the other team in the competition, Bangladesh, by one wicket on Saturday.

They flew out of the blocks thanks to openers Lagadien and Van Schalkwyk, who broke the international record for the highest individual score (215) against the same opponents last Friday and also breached the highest score by a South African U19 player (164*) in the game prior against Bangladesh.

Their stand for the first wicket yielded 103 in 13.1 overs, before 43 between the latter and Bulbulia.

The skipper then played a central role, though the only other to cross 20 was co-captain Jason Rowles (24).

Nonetheless, the visitors managed to set a strong target of 347.

The Zimbabweans made a good start of their own to the reply with Nathaniel Hlabangana (47) and Leeroy Chiwaula (17) putting on 60 for the first wicket.

But Khitshini, on as first change, eventually made the breakthrough by trapping the former leg before wicket.

Five runs later he got rid of Chiwaula, with Rowles (2/32) accounting for two more batters before the 100 was raised as the home side wobbled.

The two wicket-takers then combined to remove Brandon Senzere (6), caught by Rowles off Khitshini leaving the total on 107/5.

Michael Blignaut led a recovery with 50 off 62 balls (6x4, 2x6), though his dismissal by JJ Basson (2/57) ended all hopes for the Zimbabweans.

Captain Simbarashe Mudzengerere did manage a battling 46, but by then the game was done. He fell to Van Schalkwyk (2/30) as South Africa sealed a big win.

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).

Fixtures

Friday - 9.15am

Zimbabwe U19 v South Africa U19 – Sunrise Sports Club, Harare (SA won by 278 runs)

Saturday - 9.15am

South Africa U19 v Bangladesh U19 – Sunrise Sports Club, Harare (Bangladesh won by one wicket)

Monday - 9.15am

Zimbabwe U19 v Bangladesh U19 – Harare Sports Club, Harare (Bangladesh won by 91 runs)

Tuesday - 9.15am

Zimbabwe U19 v South Africa U19 – Harare Sports Club, Harare (SA won by 107 runs)

Thursday - 9.15am

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

Friday - 9.15am

Zimbabwe U19 v Bangladesh U19 – Harare Sports Club, Harare

Monday - 9.15am

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

Wednesday, 6 August - 9.15am

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

Friday, 8 August - 9.15am

Zimbabwe U19 v Bangladesh U19 – Harare Sports Club, Harare

Sunday, 10 August - 9.15am

Number 1 v Number 2 – Harare Sports Club, Harare