South Africa Under-19 Men suffered a 25-run defeat (DLS Method) to India Under-19 in the opening Youth one-day international of the three-match series.
After winning the toss, SA opted to bowl first, with India going on to post a competitive 301 all out in their allotted 50 overs.
The visitors were anchored by Harvansh Singh, who struck a composed 93, while Ramanujam Ambrish added 65. The pair combined for a crucial 137-run partnership for the fifth wicket, shifting momentum in India’s favour.
JJ Basson was the standout performer with the ball for the hosts, finishing with four wickets in his 10 overs.
In reply, the Junior Proteas were well placed on 148/4 when rain brought an early end to the contest.
Jorich van Schalkwyk remained unbeaten on 60, while Armaan Manack was run out for a fluent 46 shortly before play was halted.
Reflecting on the performance, SA captain, Muhammad Bulbulia said there were several positives to take despite the outcome.
“It is unfortunate to be on the wrong side of the result, but there are a lot of positives to take from the game.
“I was really pleased with the bowlers, especially the start they gave us and the way they executed at the death. There were key moments where we probably needed to manage things a bit better, including a couple of dropped catches and losing crucial wickets during the chase as the weather was closing in.
“In weather-affected games, the margins are small, but if we keep focusing on the basics and on ourselves, the results will come,” said Bulbulia.
SA U19 v India U19 Fixtures:
1st YODI: Saturday, 03 January @09h30 – SA U19 v India U19 – India won 25 runs (DLS Method)
2nd YODI: Monday, 05 January @09h30 – SA U19 v India U19
3rd YODI: Wednesday, 07 January @09h30 – SA U19 v India U19
South Africa U19 Squad: ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026
Muhammad Bulbulia (Captain-KZN Inland), JJ Basson (Lions), Daniel Bosman (Western Province), Corne Botha (Lions), Paul James (Western Province), Enathi Khitshini (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).
SA U19 Men Fixtures: ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 (15 January - 06 February)
Friday, 16 January - 09h30: Afghanistan v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek
Monday, 19 January – 09h30: South Africa v Tanzania, HP Oval, Windhoek
Thursday, 22 January – 09h30: West Indies v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek
Tuesday, 03 February – 09h30: First semifinal, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Wednesday, 04 February – 09h30: Second semifinal, Harare Sports Club, Harare
Friday, 06 February – 09h30: Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare