A breathtaking 201-run alliance between skipper Mohammad Bulbulia and Jason Rawles lit up the High Performance Oval as South Africa’s U19 side amassed 397/6, handing Tanzania a mountain to climb in their 2026 World Cup Group D showdown.
Opting to bowl first, Tanzania watched helplessly as South Africa’s top order fired on all cylinders. Openers Jorich van Schalkwyk (47 off 34: 5×6, 2×4) and Adnaan La Gadie (32) laid the foundation with 58 runs inside 8 overs.
At 93/2, Bulbulia (108 off 108: 10×4, 1×6) and Rawles (125* off 101: 10×4, 5×6) unleashed havoc in a 201-run stand off 176 balls, the highlight of South Africa’s innings. Their maturity and firepower turned the game decisively.
Rawles then teamed with Paul James, who blazed 46 off 18 balls (5×6, 2×4), forging an 82-run blitz in 35 overs. South Africa’s total reflects their depth and resilience post their shock defeat to Afghanistan by 28 runs in the opener.
Tanzania’s attack was led by Simba Mbaki (2/??), with Khalidi Juma and Alfred Daniel grabbing one scalp apiece. Chasing 398 will test every ounce of Tanzania’s resolve.
South Africa eyes redemption against West Indies on January 22, aiming to solidify their Group D standing in this prestigious youth spectacle.
