An outstanding century by Muhammad Bulbulia mixed with a strong rearguard performance by Lethabo Phahlamohlaka and Raeeq Daniels helped South Africa Under-19 Men secure a dramatic draw with England in the first Youth test that concluded at Coetzenburg Oval in Stellenbosch on Wednesday.
Chasing 317 for victory, which was set when the tourists declared on 336 for nine, the hosts began well through their right-handed opener scoring 114 off 154 balls (13 fours).
But once Bulbulia, who scored 88 in the first innings, fell, three others followed quickly leaving the hosts in a precarious position on 236 for eight.
However, Phahlamohlaka defended 85 balls for an unbeaten 45 and Daniels was also strong in defence seeing off 51 deliveries for his 24.
The junior Proteas eventually ended on 295 for nine – just short of the target – though that had become a secondary objective behind survival after their quick loss of wickets.
In the end, Martin Khumalo (9*) had to come out and face eight balls to also play his part in a thrilling draw.
The day had started with England batting on 275 for eight and the visitors managed to stretch their lead thanks in the main to Jack Home’s 60* (69 balls, 5 fours, 2 sixes).
Spinner Chad Mason claimed the only wicket to fall when he removed Tazeem Ali for 19 to end with figures of five for 111.
The South Africans made a fair start to the chase by reaching 47 for none, before Jorich Van Schalkwyk fell to Player of the Match Farhan Ahmed (5-103) for 27.
Adnaan Lagadien (4) fell shortly after leaving the chase in the balance. However, Bulbulia and Jason Rowles (51 off 97 balls, 4 fours) gave the home side hope with a splendid partnership of 119 for the third wicket that took them 180 for two.
Ahmed then caused chaos by taking four wickets, including both set batters as well as captain Benni Hansen (4) and Divan de Villiers (4).
Ali (3-56) further jolted the hosts with two quick wickets in as many overs leaving them precariously placed at 236 for eight with around an hour still to play.
That was when the rearguard instincts of Phahlamohlaka and Daniels kicked in. The pair put on exactly 50 for the ninth wicket, that was broken by Ali with just over an over to play.
Khumalo then braved the final few deliveries to help the South Africans claim a famous draw.
The second and final Youth test between the sides takes place at Western Province Cricket Club in Cape Town next week.
