Raeeq Daniels claimed four wickets to help set South Africa U19 on their way to a series-levelling five-wicket win over England U19 in the second youth ODI in Cape Town on Sunday.

The medium-pacer sent down three maidens and returned a stellar 4-25 in nine overs as the tourists were bundled out for 161.

Nqobani Mokoena provided good support with 2-33 after the Junior Proteas won the toss and opted to bowl first at the Western Province Cricket Club.

Then in reply, Jason Rowles (33), Paul James (32) and Bandile Mbatha (30) played key roles to ensure the home side reached their target with nearly 20 overs to spare.

It was an important win for Malibongwe Maketa’s side, especially after they lost the opening game by the same margin on Friday. The final game set for Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch on Wednesday.

The hosts were much improved in game two, swarming all over England from the outset. Daniels was at the heart of the attack, removing Ben Mayes (seven) in the fourth over and Aaryan Sawant (nought) in the eighth, with Mokoena outdoing Archie Vaughan (nought) in between.

Further wickets by Ntando Soni (1-17) and Mbatha (1-15) left the visitors in even deeper trouble at 68 -5, before half-centuries by Ben Dawkins (59 off 92 balls; three fours, one six) and Joseph Moores (59 off 61 balls; seven fours, four sixes) during a stand of 41 propped up the scorecard.

The tail offered little threat and England were eventually dismissed in 41.5 overs.

Opener Adnaan Lagadien (10) fell early in the chase, but a 45-run partnership between Rowles and captain Bennie Hansen (18) kept the hosts on track during the early part of the chase.

Daniel Bosman added 17 with another important partnership – this time 46 for the fifth wicket – between James and Mbatha helped the South Africans set up a series decider.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images