SA U19 Men remain focused ahead of final World Cup fixture

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

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 - SA lost by 55 runs

Super Sixes

Sunday, 25 January, South Africa v Australia – Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek - SA lost by six wickets

Sunday, 29 January – 9.30am: South Africa v Sri Lanka – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

Tuesday, 3 February – 9.30am: First semi-final, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

Wednesday, 4 February – 9.30am: Second semi-final, Harare Sports Club, Harare

Friday, 6 February – 9.30am: Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare