SA U19 Men remain positive despite defeat

JJ Basson’s five-wicket haul was not enough as South Africa U19 Men suffered a 55-run defeat to the West Indies in their last group stage match of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup on Thursday.

Basson claimed an exceptional 5/23 in his 10 overs, including three wickets in the 23rd over and the West Indies were bowled out for 234 after opting to bat first.

Basson set the tone early, striking in the PowerPlay, and continued to apply pressure through the middle overs, dismantling key partnerships to keep South Africa firmly in the contest.

His spell could only be rivalled by West Indies’ Shaquan Belle, who claimed six wickets in the match at the cost of 40 runs.

Chasing 235, South Africa struggled to build meaningful partnerships, despite a valiant effort from Jason Rowles, who top-scored with 46.

Lethabo Phahlamohlaka (26), Jorich van Schalwyk (20), Daniel Bosman (19) and Armaan Manack (17) were the only other batters to reach double figures as South Africa were bowled out for 179.

Basson, however, highlighted positives from today’s encounter.

“We did really well in the fielding innings to restrict them to 234. It’s always a chaseable score. Unfortunately, this is cricket. Some days you’re the windshield, other days you’re the bug.

“There are a lot of positives we can take from today and look to improve on in the next couple of days. We won’t dwell too much on today. It’s never nice losing but we still have two games to go, so our focus immediately switches to the next one.

“The World Cup has been an amazing experience and I want to take the confidence from this performance into the remaining matches to give the team the best possible chance.”

South Africa has qualified for the Super 6 Stage and await Friday’s result between Australia and Sri Lanka to determine which team they plays first.

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 – 9.30am: South Africa v A1 – Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek

Sunday, 29 January – 9.30am: South Africa v A2 – 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