By Levy MasitengÂ
South Africa Under-19 claimed a hard-fought 45-run cricket victory over England Under-19 on Monday to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match Youth Test series after a thrilling finish to the opening four-day match at the County Ground in Beckenham.
The Junior Proteas held their nerve on the final day as they bowled England out for 340 while defending a target of 386, sealing a memorable victory in the opening match of the series.
JJ Basson was named Player of the Match after producing a decisive bowling performance for South Africa.
The pace bowler claimed a match haul of 10 wickets for 123 runs, including seven wickets for 73 runs in England’s second innings, to halt the hosts’ pursuit of the imposing target.
South Africa laid the foundation for victory through disciplined batting, scoring 295 in their first innings before adding 310 in their second.
England, who made 220 in their first innings, showed resilience during the chase through Caleb Falconer, who scored 102, and contributions from the lower order.
Basson repeatedly struck at crucial moments, dismissing Falconer and later removing James Minto for the ninth wicket before bowling Ali Farooq to end England’s resistance and seal the 45-run victory.
He received valuable support from Bayanda Majola, who took four wickets for 47 runs in England’s first innings, including the wickets of the hosts’ first three batters. Majola also claimed one wicket in the second innings.
The victory gives the Junior Proteas a winning start to the four-day leg of their tour after the teams previously contested a three-match Youth One-Day International series, which England won 2-1.
South Africa Under-19 and England Under-19 will meet in the second and final four-day Youth Test from Friday at the County Ground in Hove.
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