Steve Stolk led an improved batting display by SA U19 but it wasn’t enough as India claimed a six-wicket Tri-Series win in Johannesburg on Saturday.
The right-hander finally converted a start into a half-century by striking an impressive 69 off 66 balls (five fours, five sixes) and helping the hosts post 256 after they lost the toss and were asked to bat first at Old Edwardians Cricket Club.
However, India’s response was once again decisive. Driven by captain Uday Saharan’s century (112 off 153 balls, 10 fours) and an unbeaten 76 (84 balls, 6 fours, one six) from Priyanshu Moliya they chased down the target comfortably with eight deliveries and six wickets to spare.
It was their fourth win in as many games as they continued their dominance of the series, which is serving as preparation for the two teams, together with Afghanistan, for the U19 World Cup that begins on 19 January in South Africa.
The home side, who next play Afghanistan in a must-win clash on Monday, will be desperate for their first win in that game, but also take plenty of encouragement from what was possibly their best display in the event thus far.
After losing form batter Lhuan-dre Pretorius early for 16, Stolk built on his 25 and 46 in the previous two matches by putting on 81 with captain David Teeger (17) for the second wicket.
The pair took the score to 103 before both fell in quick succession to pick of the bowlers Musheer Khan (5-38). A cluster of wickets fell at that stage with the home side suddenly finding themselves at 121-5.
Dewan Marais (32) and Romashan Pillay (24) then lead an initial recovery with Riley Norton (32) and Sipho Potsane (31) adding more late runs to lift the South Africans to their biggest total of the tournament thus far.
Lions’ sensation Kwena Maphaka (2/49) put the hosts on top with an early double blow that left the Indians in a huge hole on two for two in the first over.
But Khan (41) and Saharan combined for a stand of 90, which was followed by the captain and Moliya putting on 133 for the fourth wicket to completely take the game away from SA as India crossed the line in the penultimate over.
South Africa are drawn in Group B for the World Cup, alongside England, Scotland and the West Indies, who they begin their campaign against at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on 19 January.
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
