A brilliant 98 from 17-year-old Jason Rowles almost single-handedly kept South Africa in the game before they succumbed by 28-runs to Afghanistan in their opening match of the Under-19 World Cup at the High Performance Oval in Windhoek on Friday afternoon.
Replying to Afghanistan’s 266-8 South Africa were dismissed for 238 and now face group games against the West Indies and Tanzania in their bid to reach the Super Six stage of the tournament.
Left hander Rowles looked a class apart, timing the ball sweetly and displaying mature game awareness while all his teammates struggled against the Afghan spinners during a run-chase which stagnated whenever Rowles was denied the strike.
Opener Jorich van Schalkwyk was mired in defence with eight runs from 34 balls (including a six) while captain Muhammad Bulbulia struggled to 17 from 35 balls with just a single four before run out in bizarre circumstances when wicketkeeper and opposite number, Mahboob Khan, flicked the ball onto the stumps following an attempted reverse sweep with Bulbulia not attempting a run – but standing just outside his crease.
Armaan Manack, too, struggled for any rhythm or timing with 15 from 37 balls while No 6, Paul James, limped painfully to four from 26 balls.
But Rowles continued to give his team hope but was denied a thoroughly deserved century when a powerful throw from livewire fielder, Azizullah Miakhil, caught him centimetres short of his crease attempting a second run.
Wicketkeeper Lethabo Phahlamohlaka hammered a pair of sixes in his 22 from 20 balls and Corne Botha did likewise in his 25 from 17 deliveries but the asking rate had climbed to over 10 runs per over in the final 10 overs and the task was beyond the Junior Proteas.
South Africa’s bowlers fought back earlier in commendable style to restrict Afghanistan to a total of 266-8 after choosing to bowl first. A second wicket partnership of 152 between opener Khalid Ahmedzai (74 from 102 balls) and Faisal Shinozada Khan (81 from 95) saw Afghanistan reach an imposing 183-1 with 15 overs remaining and a total of around 300 looking distinctly possible but they were unable to capitalise on the excellent platform.
It could have been even better for captain Muhammad Bulbulia but Afghanistan No 4, Uzairullah Niazai, batted with calm and composure to finish unbeaten on a run-a-ball 51 with eight fours.
Phahlamohlaka claimed five catches courtesy of opening bowlers Bayanda Majola (10-0-59-3) and JJ Basson (9-0-44-1) while seamer Corne Botha (10-1-45-3) collected wickets in the closing overs which South Africa, largely, bowled with control.
Rowles (10-0-36-0) began a memorable match for him personally by bowling his left arm spin with distinction to start an eye-catching all round display.
SOUTH AFRICA: Jorich van Schalkwyk, Adnaan Lagadien, Muhammad Bulbulia (captain), Jason Rowles, Armaan Manack, Paul James, Daniel Bosman, Lethabo Phahlamohlaka (wkt), Corne Botha, JJ Basson, Bayanda Majola.
AFGHANISTAN: Osman Sadat, Khalid Ahmadzai, Faisal Khan, Uzairullah Niazai, Mahboob Khan (captain, wkt), Aziz Mia Khil, Khatir Stanikzai, Nooristani, Abdul Aziz, Wahid Zadran, Hafieez Zadran.