Record win for SA Under-19 Men

Another commanding performance from Jason Rowles, backed by skipper, Muhammad Bulbulia, ensured South Africa U19 Men set the second-largest winning margin in an ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup and the biggest ever recorded by a South African U19 side in the tournament.

After being sent into bat, SA posted a mammoth 397/5 in their 50 overs.

SA U19 openers, Jorich van Schalwyk (47) and Adnaan Lagadien (32) laid a solid foundation but it was Bulbulia (108) and Rowles (125*) who took control of the innings.

The pair combined in a commanding 201-run partnership for the third wicket, ensuring the Junior Proteas set an imposing total.

Late fireworks came courtesy of Paul James, who struck a rapid 46 off just 18 balls, while Lethabo Phahlamohlaka added a brisk 16* from five deliveries to further pile the pressure on the Tanzanian attack.

Rowles then carried his fine form into the field, finishing with two wickets and a run-out, while Bayanda Majola continued his impressive wicket-taking streak, returning figures of 2/6 in just under seven overs.

Reflecting on the performance, Bulbulia praised Rowles and the collective effort from his side.

“I thought our entire batting innings was a really good effort today. The batting group has been in a good space for a while and a score close to 400 has been coming. It was great to see us put it together as a unit.

“Jason is a special character and he’s been in really good form for a long time. Over the last couple of years, he’s been batting really well, and recently he’s started converting those starts into big scores. To have someone who contributes with the bat, the ball and in the field makes him a lovely player to captain.”

South Africa U19 Squad

JJ Basson (Lions), Daniel Bosman (Western Province), Corne Botha (Lions), Muhammad Bulbulia (KZN Inland), Paul James (Western Province), Enathi Khitshini Tembalethu (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).

Management

Malibongwe Maketa (Head Coach), Blanche Conradie (Team Manager), Imraan Khan (Batting Coach), Paul Adams (Bowling Coach),Thabang Kumalo (Fielding Coach), Tumi Masekela (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Sheenagh Jordaan (Physiotherapist), Kyle Southgate (High-Performance Analyst), Dr Phumi Skosana (Team Doctor), Eugene Oppelt (Performance Psychologist), Alungile Nyakambi (Media Specialist), Lara van der Dussen (Educator), Rosey Lombard (Performance Dietitian – non-travelling).

SA U19 Men Fixtures: ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 (15 January-6 February)

Friday, 16 January, Afghanistan v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek - SA lost by 28 runs

Monday, 19 January, South Africa v Tanzania, HP Oval, Windhoek - SA won by 329 runs

Thursday, 22 January, West Indies v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek

Tuesday, 3 February, First semi-final, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

Wednesday, 4 February, Second semi-final, Harare Sports Club, Harare

Friday, 6 February, Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare