The SA Under-19 Women experienced a narrow two-wicket defeat in their second Youth T20 International (T20I) Tri-Series match against India Under-19 'B' at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Wednesday.
Wicketkeeper Karabo Meso top-scored with a resilient 40 off 49 balls (2x4) as South Africa were restricted to 96/8 in their 20 overs. G Kamalini’s crucial knock of 37 off 40 balls (4 fours, 1 six) guided India to a hard-fought victory with three balls to spare, despite an outstanding bowling performance by Ashleigh van Wyk (3/19).
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, South Africa faced early difficulties, losing five of their top six batters for just 38 runs.
Meso, batting at No 5, provided much-needed stability with her anchoring innings. However, wickets fell regularly around her, including those of Mieke van Voorst (5) and Seshnie Naidu (9). Meso was the final batter to be dismissed, leaving South Africa on 96/8 at the end of their innings.
In reply, India U19 'B' made a solid start despite the early dismissal of opener K Mahanthi Sree (8), who was removed by Faye Cowling (1/18). Kamalini, supported by captain Niki Prasad (11), helped the hosts surpass the 50-run mark within 10 overs before Van Wyk broke their 37-run partnership.
With 41 runs needed from just over 10 overs, the South African bowlers, including Van Wyk, Kayla Reyneke (2/19) and Van Voorst (1/7), fought valiantly, taking wickets at regular intervals to keep the match in the balance.
India was reduced to 94/8 in the final over but it was not enough to turn the tide. Anaadi Tagde (6*) hit the winning runs to secure a two-wicket victory for the hosts.
The SA U19 Women will face India U19 'A' in their next Youth T20I Tri-Series match on Saturday at the same venue. The match is scheduled to begin at 11.30am local time (8am SAST).
South Africa U19 Women Squad
Jemma Botha (World Sports Betting Western Province), Fay Cowling (DP World Lions), Jae-Leigh Filander (World Sports Betting Western Province), Mona-Lisa Legodi (Fidelity Titans), Simoné Lourens (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Nthabiseng Nini (Glencore Dragons), Luyanda Nzuza (Knights), Diara Ramlakan (DP World Lions), Kayla Reyneke (World Sports Betting Western Province), Diedré van Rensburg (Glencore Dragons), Mieke van Voorst (Eastern Storm), Ashleigh van Wyk (Eastern Storm), Chanel Venter (Fidelity Titans)
Fixtures
Friday - Third Youth T20I: India U19 A v India U19 B (Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune)
Saturday - Fourth Youth T20I: India U19 A v South Africa U19 (Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune)
Monday - Fifth Youth T20I: India U19 B v South Africa U19 (Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune)
Tuesday - Sixth Youth T20I: India U19 A v India U19 B (Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune)
Thursday, 12 December - Youth T20I Tri-Series Final: First v Second (Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune)
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