South Africa’s under-19 cricket team has delivered a commanding batting display to script history at the ICC under-19 World Cup 2026, registering the highest team total of the tournament so far.
Batting against Tanzania, South Africa piled up a massive 397 for 5 in their allotted 50 overs, setting a new benchmark in this edition of the competition.
The total also marked South Africa’s best-ever score in under-19 World Cup history, surpassing their previous record of 359 for 6 against Namibia in 2012.
Captain Mohammed Balbulia led from the front with a composed and authoritative century, scoring 108 runs, while Jason Rawls produced a scintillating knock of 125 to anchor the innings. The duo’s partnership laid a solid foundation and ensured South Africa maintained a relentless scoring rate throughout the match.
The record-breaking performance came as a strong response after South Africa suffered a defeat against Afghanistan in their opening match of the tournament. The emphatic win against Tanzania has significantly boosted the team’s confidence and revitalised their campaign.
On the other hand, Afghanistan Under-19s delivered a dominant all-round performance to register a comprehensive 138-run victory over West Indies Under-19s at the High Performance Oval.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Afghanistan made full use of the conditions. Opener Osman Sadat anchored the innings with a patient and well-crafted 88 off 131 deliveries, providing stability at the top. Captain Mahboob Khan took charge in the middle overs, shifting momentum with an aggressive knock of 86 from just 69 balls, which included ten boundaries and two sixes. Their efforts powered Afghanistan to a competitive total of 262 for 6 in 50 overs. For West Indies, Jakeem Pollard stood out with the ball, claiming 3 for 39.
In reply, West Indies never found their footing. Afghanistan’s pace spearhead Wahidullah Zadran made early inroads, dismissing two top-order batsmen inside the powerplay to put the chase under immediate pressure. Spinner Khatir Stanikzai then tightened the screws with a superb spell of 3 for 20, effectively ending any hopes of a recovery.
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