31 Jan Five-Star Maphaka Bowls SAU19s To Super Six Win Over Zimbabwe
POTCHEFSTROOM: Kwena Maphaka claimed his second five-wicket haul of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 to help South Africa make a storming start to the Super Six stages with a nine-wicket crushing of Zimbabwe atthe JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on Wednesday.
The young fast-bowling sensation grabbed five for 34 in 10 overs – becoming the first bowler to claim twin five-fors at the U19 World Cup and also joining the leading wicket-takers in the tournament with 12 wickets – as their African neighbours were emphatically dismissed for 102 after being put in to bat first.
Maphaka was given superb support from his team-mates, including three for 25 by Tristan Luus and a miserly return of 1-7 (5 overs) from Riley Norton that left the visitors all out in 29.2 overs.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius then hit an unbeaten 53 (39 balls, 9 fours, 1 six) to help the hosts race to their target in just 13.3 overs, sealing a big win and boost to their net run-rate in the process. They now lie second in Group 2 with their next match against Sri Lanka on Friday.
Coach Malibongwe Maketa and his charges will be extremely proud after another strong win, this time set up by their 17-year-old sensation as his global stature continues to grow.
He bowled with fire and precision in Potch, removing three of Zimbabwe’s top four inside the first five overs.
That carnage up front left the visitors on 16 for four, before Ronak Patel (32) and Ryan Kamwemba (24) helped their side recover to reach 69 for four after 15 overs.
But Luus then landed a double blow, before Maphaka returned to mop up the tail, leaving the Junior Proteas just 103 to get.
And they wasted little time in getting there thanks to Pretorius and Steve Stolk, South Africa’s other growing reputation, who this time plundered 37 off 29 balls.
The two openers put on 86 for the first wicket in just over 10 overs, before David Teeger (10*) completed the job.
SA U19 Men’s Squad – ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024
Juan James (captain, Western Province), Raeeq Daniels (Western Province), Tristan Luus (Dolphins), Kwena Maphaka (Lions), Dewan Marias (Easterns), Nqobani Mokoena (Dolphins), Riley Norton (Boland), Romashan Pillay (Dolphins), Sipho Potsane (Lions), Lhuan-dre Pretorius (Titans), Richard Seletswane (Lions), Steve Stolk (Titans), David Teeger (Lions), Oliver Whitehead (Western Province) and Ntando Zuma (KwaZulu-Natal Inland).
SA U19 Itinerary
Group Stage matches
Friday, 19 January – 10:00
South Africa U19 beat West Indies U19 by 31 runs – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom
Tuesday, 23 January – 10:00
South Africa U19 lost to England U19 by 36 runs (DLS Method) – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom
Saturday, 27 January – 10:00
South Africa U19 beat Scotland U19 by 7 wickets – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom
Super Six Stage matches
Wednesday, 31 January – 10:00
South Africa U19 beat Zimbabwe U19 by 9 wickets – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom
Friday, 02 February – 10:00
South Africa U19 vs Sri Lanka U19 – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom
ENDS
Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications
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