The SA U19 side ended their tour of India on a high note with a 55-run win over Afghanistan U19 in Trivandrum on Monday.
Captain Matthew Montgomery and Kgaudise Molefe shone with the bat and ball respectively to help the SA U19s to victory as they ended the Youth ODI Quadrangular in third spot.
Montgomery produced a controlled innings, scoring 73 off 107 deliveries (5×4, 1×6) to guide his side to a healthy 231-8. When Afghanistan batted, Molefe returned figures of 4-31 from his 10 overs as the young Proteas bowled their opposition out for 176 runs with five overs remaining.
Ijaz Mehran’s unbeaten 70 proved to be a consolation for Afghanistan after the top-order batsman ran out of partners.
READ ALSO: Parsons stars as SA U19 defeat Afghanistan
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, South Africa had a solid start setting the score. Despite losing Bonga Makaka (0) and Luke Beaufort (16) early on, Montgomery played a pivotal role in three crucial partnerships that contributed heavily to the score.
Along with a 43-run stand with Thamsanqa Kumalo (30), the captain also featured in two fifty partnerships, firstly with Bryce Parsons (44), and then with Andile Mogakane (33) while reaching his own milestone.
#SAu19s captain, Matthew Montgomery gives his assessment on the team’s second victory in as many games against Afghanistan U19s. #FutureStars #YouthODI #SAvAFG
Gepostet von Cricket South Africa am Montag, 11. März 2019
Montgomery, who was given the Player of the Match award, was eventually dismissed by Afghanistan’s top wicket-taker Abdul Khail (3-25). The fast bowler claimed the scalps of Montgomery and Mogakane in the space of three balls to leave South Africa on 213-6 after 47 overs. Two further wickets fell in the innings, but the youngsters still managed to post their highest total of the series.
Afghanistan’s run rate was hindered through the regular loss of wickets throughout their innings. Left-arm spinner Molefe starred with a four-wicket haul, including three crucial wickets in the middle period to make serious inroads into their batting order.
READ ALSO: SA U19 showing signs of improvement – Montgomery
Bryce Parsons (2-30) then nabbed two quick wickets to leave their opponents reeling on 110-8 after 28 overs.
Mehran, who came in at number four, was still at the crease at the end of the innings, despite the steady stream of wickets falling around him. The left-hander showed great determination in the middle, putting on 62 runs with tailender Fazal Farooqi (11) on the way to his half-ton. All-rounder Mogakane (3-24) came back into the attack to wrap up the win by claiming two wickets in the 44th over.
In the Youth ODI Quadrangular final, India U19s B defeated the India U19s A side by 72 runs to be crowned champions.
Photo: Cricket South Africa/Facebook
