SA U19 men shift focus to next chapter after World Cup exit

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 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

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

Thursday, 29 January – 9.30am: South Africa v Sri Lanka – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo - SA lost by five wickets

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