Captain Kayla Reyneke and allrounder Fay Cowling delivered stellar performances with both bat and ball to lead the SA Under-19 Women to a 51-run victory over India U19 'A' in the first match of the Youth T20 International Tri-Series in Pune on Tuesday.
Reyneke smashed five fours and four sixes during an elegant 78 off 48 balls, while Mieke van Voorst contributed an unbeaten 46 from 38 deliveries. Their efforts helped South Africa set a formidable total of 149/7 in 20 overs. Cowling then shone with the ball, taking 4/14 in three overs as India were bowled out for 98 in 18 overs.
After being asked to bat first, the SA U19s endured a shaky start as Joshitha VJ (3/17) claimed two early wickets, supported by Shabnam (1/37) and Sonam Yadav (2/27). The trio removed South Africa’s top order, dismissing Simoné Lourens (1), Jemma Botha (7), Diara Ramlakan (9), Karabo Meso (2) and Cowling (3).
At 45/5 after nine overs, Reyneke and Van Voorst steadied the innings with a crucial 99-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Reyneke reached her second Youth T20I half-century during this stand, departing in the final over as South Africa narrowly missed the 150-run mark.
In their chase, India’s batting line-up struggled against a disciplined South African bowling attack. Cowling tore through the top order, supported by Reyneke (1/5) and Nthabiseng Nini (1/16), as the hosts slipped to 28/5 shortly after the PowerPlay, taking the key wickets of G Trisha (13), Kavya (4), Sanika Chalke (2), Hurley Gala (0) and Bhavika Ahire (3).
Cowling claimed her fourth wicket in the ninth over, leaving India reeling at six down. Shabnam (42*) and Sasthi Mondal (17) attempted a recovery with a 43-run partnership for the seventh wicket but a run-out broke their momentum. Ashleigh van Wyk (1/23), Mona-Lisa Legodi (1/9), and Seshnie Naidu (1/30) then cleaned up the tail to secure a commanding victory for South Africa.
The second Youth T20I will take place on Wednesday at 11.30am local time (8am SAST) at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, where the SA U19s will face India U19 'B'.
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)
SA U19 Women’s Youth T20I Tri-Series vs India U19 A & B
Wednesday - Second Youth T20I: India U19 B v South Africa U19 Women (Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune)
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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