South Africa’s u.19 World Cup campaign hit a snag on Tuesday, 23 January, when they succumbed to their first defeat in the tournament at the J.B. Marks Oval in Potchefstroom.
South Africa went down to one of the tournament favourites, England, by 36 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis method after rain intervened late in the afternoon.
The Proteas young guns went into the contest on a high note after beating the West Indies by 31 runs in the first match of the tournament on Friday. Left-arm speedster Kwena Maphaka impressed with figures of 5/38.
However, they failed to capitalise on a good start, batting first against England, and were bowled out for 230 runs.
Opener Steve Stolk made a superb 64 (55) for the Proteas, hitting some sumptuous strokes, including 11 fours and 1 six. Stolk was needlessly run out, though, after sharp work from England keeper Jack Carney had him walking back to the changing room.
Dewan Marais, who scored a half-century against the West Indies, again played assertively in trying circumstances. He made 42 (39 balls) before holding out in the deep to England spinner Jaydn Denly (3/37).
Spin was the major downfall for the Proteas as Tazeem Ali (3/26) also chipped in with crucial wickets.
Eddie Jack was mercurial with 3/28 in 10 overs, with quality swing bowling in the middle overs.
England seemed undeterred in their chase and strolled along at 137/2 in 28.3 overs before rain descended in Potch. England captain and left-handed opener Ben McKinney (48 off 67 balls) and Noah Thain (63 off 82 balls) were in cruise control and took the game away from the hosts.
South Africa next face a must-win game against Scotland at the J.B. Marks Oval on Saturday, 27 January.
A win against the Scots will ensure a spot in the Super Six phase of the competition.
The placing of the teams in group B will also largely depend on the match between England and West Indies on Friday, 26 January.
A win for the West Indies will give an added twist to who the group winner will be. South Africa are currently in second position. If England win, then they will top the group.
A West Indies win could upset the apple cart in the group standings.
The West Indies have shown fight and had SA in trouble numerous times in the opening match. The spin of Nathan Sealy and the hard-hitting from Jewel Andrew were some of the highlights of that encounter.
Fixtures: (J.B. Marks Oval)
England vs West Indies: Friday, 26 January – 10:00
South Africa vs Scotland: Saturday, 27 January – 10:00
Super Six D1 vs A3 – Tuesday, 30 January – 10:00
Super Six C3 vs B1 – Wednesday, 31 January – 10:00.
