Bangladesh U19 win again to clinch series

Jason Rowles turned in a strong all-round performance, but it proved to be in vain as South Africa Under-19 (SA U19) Men slipped to a second successive loss in their three-match Youth one-day international (YODI) Series against Bangladesh in Benoni on Saturday.

The hosts, beaten by 130 runs in the opening match at Willowmoore Park on Thursday, this time suffered a 104-run defeat to the tourists, who moved into an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Tour co-captain Rowles first bowled tidily, returning figures of none for 43 to help restrict the visitors to 265 for six after winning the toss and opting to bowl.

Paul James (2-21) and Corne Botha (2-60) both picked up two wickets apiece.

In reply, Rowles top-scored with an entertaining 51 off 48 balls, which included five fours and two sixes. However, there was little support from the rest of the team – Botha’s 26 being the next best effort – with the junior national side rolled over in 30.2 overs.

It meant that Bangladesh moved 2-0 ahead with the third and final match to follow on Tuesday.

Coach Malibongwe Maketa and his team will no doubt be disappointed by their latest setback, almost a repeat of the tour opener.

STRONG START FOR BANGLADESH

Bangladesh made a strong start again to their innings as Zawad Abrar (57 off 53 balls, 1 four, 6 sixes), Azizul Hakim Tamim (67 off 90 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes) and Rizan Hossan (52 off 71 balls, 4 fours) all hit half-centuries that left their side in a powerful position at 205 for three in the 41st over.

But James’ twin strikes and JJ Basson (1-58) did well to help haul their side back and keep the target to what was seemingly within range.

However, Muhammad Bulbulia, SA’s batting hero from the first game, was dismissed for two, along with Adnaan Lagadien (5), Armaan Manack (5) and Vihan Pretorius (12), all inside the opening 10 overs to leave the hosts with a mountain to climb.

That early damage was done by Al Fahad (2-29), Iqbal Hossain (1-25) and Tamim (2-35), before Rowles fought back with a partnership of 49 alongside Kamogelo Phiri (20).

Shadhin Islam (2-9) added two scalps to his name, and by the time Botha tried to hit out, the game was all but done for the South Africans.

They were eventually bowled out with nearly 20 overs to go, giving Bangladesh a big win.

SA U19 Men’s Squad - Youth ODI series against Bangladesh U19

Muhammad Bulbulia (captain, KZN Inland), Jason Rowles (captain, Lions), JJ Basson (Lions), Corne Botha (Lions), Daniel Bosman (Western Province), Paul James (Western Province), Enathi Khitshini (Garden Route Badgers), Adnaan Lagadien (Western Province), Bandile Mbatha (Dolphins), Armaan Manack (Lions), Bayanda Majola (Dolphins), Kamogelo Phiri (Lions), Vihan Pretorius (Titans), Ntando Soni (Warriors) and Jorich van Schalkwyk (Titans).

Management

Malibongwe Maketa (Head Coach), Blanche Conradie (Manager), Imraan Khan (Batting Coach), Paul Adams (Bowling Coach), Thabang Kumalo (Fielding Coach), Tumi Masekela (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Sheenagh Jordaan (Physiotherapist), Kyle Southgate (Team Analyst), Eugene Oppelt (Performance Psychologist) and Lita Gqirana (Media Manager).

Fixtures

1st YODI - Thursday, 17 July at 09:30

South Africa U19 lost to Bangladesh U19 by 130 runs – Willowmoore Park, Benoni

2nd YODI - Saturday, 19 July at 09:30

South Africa U19 lost to Bangladesh U19 by 104 runs - Willowmoore Park, Benoni

3rd YODI - Tuesday, 22 July at 09:30

South Africa U19 v Bangladesh U19 - Willowmoore Park, Benoni