Jonathan Bird scored an unbeaten 142 to help the South African U19s claim a series-sealing victory over England in the second youth ODI in Gosforth.
The 17-year-old was dominant in his side’s chase to get them over the line which put them 2-0 up in the three-match series. But it wasn’t all easy for the boys from South Africa.
The England U19s got off to a brilliant start. Jack Haynes and Ben Charlesworth strung together a 124-run partnership to put them on the front foot.
Haynes led the way, his 74 off 106 balls marshalled the partnership before Thando Ntini made the breakthrough deep into the 29th over. Charlesworth was the one to fall, unlucky to lose his wicket three runs from his half-century.
Oliver Robinson was the next best batsman for England before he was dismissed on 43, Louis van Schalkwyk picking up the first wicket of his five-for. It was the spinner’s input that changed the innings in his side’s favour. He finished with figures of 5-32, to bowl the hosts out for 251. Curtis Campher recorded the next best figures – 2-47 – that included the wicket of Haynes in the 34th over to reduce the hosts to 155-3.
The junior Proteas’ chase was headlined by Western Province’s Bird. The 17-year old smashed an unbeaten 142 off 123 balls that included 24 fours and a six.
Despite losing three partners around him, Bird was supported by his skipper Wandile Makewtu.
CENTURY. What a performance from the young man! ????
Jonathan Bird records his maiden #YouthODI, as he looks to take the visitors over the line. A superb knock including 16 fours and a six. #SAu19s are now 206/3 (37 ov), needing 46 runs to win. #FutureStars #ENGvSA ???????????? pic.twitter.com/3WRZJgUdHc — Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) July 26, 2018
Makwetu scored 53 off 64 balls in a stand of 129 runs which lifted the junior Proteas from 110-3 to 239-3 before he lost his wicket. Bird saw out the innings as SA U19 sealed a six-wicket win.
Photo: Ian Horrocks/Getty Images
