South Africa Under-19 Women began their ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup campaign with a 22-run victory (DLS Method) over New Zealand U19 Women in a rain-affected match at the newly constructed Borneo Cricket Ground. The game was reduced to 11 overs per side following a delayed start due to wet conditions.
New Zealand won the toss and elected to field but South Africa made the most of their time at the crease.
Openers Jemma Botha and Simoné Lourens laid a solid foundation with a 52-run partnership. Botha top-scored with 32 runs, while Lourens contributed 21.
The momentum was further boosted by Karabo Meso, who smashed a quickfire 25 off just 14 deliveries, propelling South Africa to a competitive total of 91/7 in their allotted overs.
In response, South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack ensured the target was out of reach for New Zealand.
Monalisa Legodi was the pick of the bowlers, delivering an exceptional spell with figures of 2/8, while Kayla Reyneke provided crucial support, claiming 2/15. New Zealand were restricted to 69/5, falling short by 22 runs.
Botha, named Player of the Match for her vital innings, reflected on the significance of the game and her preparation:
"Switching to a shorter format after the rain delay required quick adaptation. I focused on staying mentally engaged and keeping the team’s goal at the forefront.
“It is a proud moment to contribute to the team’s success in the opening game of the World Cup and to be part of history, playing and winning the first-ever match at this new venue,” said Botha.
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 - Second Match: South Africa v Samoa (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak)
Wednesday @ 8.30am SAST - Third Match: South Africa 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)
Comments