In a staggering show of batting dominance, South Africa U19 group rewrote the file books on Monday on the Excessive-Efficiency Oval in Windhoek. Going through event debutants Tanzania in a Group D encounter of the 2026 ICC Men’s U-19 Cricket World Cup, the Junior Proteas amassed a colossal 397/5. This monumental determine not solely set the benchmark for the best group complete within the present version but additionally stands as South Africa’s highest-ever rating within the historical past of the Underneath-19 World Cup.
The efficiency served as a fierce redemption arc for the South Africans, following a slender 28-run loss to Afghanistan of their event opener. By eclipsing Sri Lanka’s temporary file of 391 (set in opposition to Japan simply days prior), the Proteas have now climbed to eighth on the all-time listing of highest scores within the competitors’s historical past.
South Africa U19 batters higher their very own file at World Cup
The inspiration of this historic complete was laid by a masterclass in aggressive but calculated batting. After openers Jorich van Schalkwyk (a brisk 47 off 34) and Adnaan Lagadien (32) supplied a stable begin, the stage was taken over by captain Muhammad Bulbulia and the in-form Jason Rowles. The duo orchestrated a devastating 201-run partnership for the third wicket, a stand that successfully batted Tanzania out of the competition.
Bulbulia led by instance, anchoring the innings with a exact 108 off 108 balls, reaching his milestone with a towering six earlier than finally departing. Nonetheless, it was Rowles who stole the present along with his sheer energy. Recent off a 98-run knock within the earlier sport, Rowles remained unbeaten on 125 from simply 101 deliveries, peppered with ten boundaries and 5 sixes. Their chemistry shifted the momentum completely, pushing the run fee into the stratosphere and leaving the Tanzanian bowlers trying to find solutions.
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South Africa’s scientific end and a press release victory in opposition to Tanzania
Even after the dismissal of the captain, the South African onslaught confirmed no indicators of slowing down. Paul James supplied the late-innings fireworks, enjoying a sensational cameo of 46 runs from a mere 18 balls. His strike fee of over 250 ensured that the Proteas maintained their velocity, falling simply three runs in need of the elusive 400-run milestone.
The scoreboard stress proved insurmountable for Tanzania. South Africa’s bowling unit, led by Bayanda Majola (2/6) and the multi-talented Jason Rowles (2/14), dismantled the opposition for simply 68 runs in 32.2 overs. The ensuing 329-run victory is now the second-largest profitable margin in U19 World Cup historical past, a statistic that considerably boosts South Africa’s Web Run Fee (NRR) as they eye the knockout phases.
With this record-breaking momentum, the Junior Proteas now flip their consideration to a high-stakes closing Group D conflict in opposition to the West Indies on January 22. In the event that they replicate this scientific type, the 2014 champions appear to be severe contenders to reclaim the crown in 2026.
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