The South Africa U19s struggled to 37-6, before eventually posting 136-9 in their vital World Cup group match against Namibia.
The youngsters were hoping to pick themselves up after their opening defeat to host Bangladesh and continue their quest to qualify for the quarter-finals, as three changes were made to the side, with Wandile Makwetu making his debut.
Tony de Zorzi won the toss at Cox’s Bazar and chose to bat first, but they got off to a nightmare start as Liam Smith (0) and Rivaldo Moonsamy (1) failed to trouble the scorers to leave them on 2-2; Fritz Coetzee with both the wickets.
It was then the turn of Michael van Lingen to tuck into the middle order, taking three wickets to leave SA on 37-6 and in very real danger of losing to the minnows.
A couple of vital partnerships ensued given the context of the game, as De Zorzi and Willem Ludick put together 20 runs, before Ludick added another 55 with Lutho Sipamla to give the side a fighting chance.
Ludick top-scored with 42, while the final-wicket stand saw another 21 runs added to the total, for the side to post 136-9.
Picture: CSA
