The SA Under-19 Women have concluded their three-match T20 series against USA U19 Women, winning the series 2-1 after a nine-wicket loss in the final match on Wednesday.
South Africa posted 155/5 in their allotted 20 overs with solid contributions from Diedré van Rensburg (39) and Karabo Meso (37).
They were well supported in the twenties by Diara Ramlakan (25), Fay Cowling (23*) and Jae-Leigh Filander (20*).
USA’s Disha Dhingra made light work of the chase, with an unbeaten century to secure the win for the visitors.
Captain Kayla Reyneke expressed mixed emotions but emphasised the positives.
Reyneke also acknowledged the importance of learning from this series in preparation for the global stage as well as the camaraderie and teamwork that have become hallmarks of the squad.
“We have a number of elements we need to work on going into the World Cup, there’s still improvements to be made and we will take the wins and build on them.
"The team has been with each other for a few months, playing together and spending so much time as a team. We celebrate together and we get along nicely both on and off the field. We are a solid unit,” she continued.
“Our goal is to inspire young girls, and for them to know that they have access to the sport. It sounds so cliché but it’s so simple. Cricket is a hard sport but if you love it, you’ll wake up every day wanting to work hard and excel in the game," said Reyneke
With their sights firmly set on the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, the SA U19 Women’s team carries the hopes of a nation and sets an inspiring example for the next generation of cricketers.
South Africa U19 Women Squad
Kayla Reyneke (Captain, Western Province), Jemma Botha (Western Province), Fay Cowling (Lions), Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province), Mona-Lisa Legodi (Titans), Simoné Lourens (Titans), Karabo Meso (Lions), Seshnie Naidu (Dolphins), Nthabiseng Nini (Dragons), Luyanda Nzuza (Free State), Diara Ramlakan (Lions), Diedré van Rensburg (Dragons), Mieke van Voorst (Storm), Ashleigh van Wyk (Storm), Chanel Venter (Titans).
Non-travelling Reserves
Lethabo Bidli (Lions), Keamogetswe Chuene (Lions), Jenna-Lee Lubbe (Lions), Jané Verhage (Titans), Sinelethu Yaso (Western Province).
Management
Dinesha Devnarain (Head Coach), Marcia Letsoalo (Team Manager), PJ Jansen (Batting Coach), Angelique Taai (Bowling Coach), Trisha Chetty (Fielding Coach), Adele van Eck (High-Performance Analyst), Dr Dhavina Naidoo (Team Doctor), Esther Bhengu (Physiotherapist), Stacey-Lee Hercules (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Terrence Adonis (Educator), Alungile Nyakambi (Media Specialist).
SA U19 Women Fixtures
Monday @ 8.30am SAST: First Warm-Up: South Africa U19 v Ireland (Selangor Turf Club, Kaula Lumpur)
Wednesday @ 8.30am SAST: Second Warm-Up: India v South Africa U19 (YSD-UKM Cricket Oval, Bangi)
Saturday, 18 January @ 8.30am SAST - First Match: New Zealand v South Africa U19 (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak)
Monday, 20 January @ 8.30am SAST - Second Match: South Africa U19 v Samoa (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak)
Wednesday, 22 January @ 8.30am SAST - Third Match: South Africa U19 v Nigeria (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak)
Saturday, 25 January - Wednesday, 29 January - Super Six Stage
Friday, 31 January @ 4.30am SAST - First Semi-final (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur)
Friday, 31 January @ 8.30am SAST - Second Semi-final (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur)
Sunday, 2 February @ 8.30am SAST - Final (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur)
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