South Africa U19s secured a hard-fought 45-run victory against England U19s on the final day of their Youth Test match at Beckenham. Despite a resilient batting display from the hosts, led by a brilliant 102 from Caleb Falconer, JJ Basson proved the difference-maker, finishing the match with stellar figures of 10 for 123.
England resumed the final day at 40 without loss, but the momentum shifted early when Michael Kruiskamp dismissed Ben Dawkins for 19, followed by Basson removing Will Bennison for 9. Although Jacob Blades made 65 and survived a dropped catch, he eventually fell to Basson, caught by Bayanda Majola. England reached 119 for 3 by lunch and 194 for 5 at tea, keeping all outcomes possible with 46 overs remaining.
The match turned in the final session as England pushed for the target. A 112-run partnership between Caleb Falconer and Manny Lumsden threatened the South African total, but Bayanda Majola broke the stand by removing Lumsden for 51. Joshua van Biljon provided a highlight with a leaping catch to dismiss Lumsden. Basson then took two wickets in consecutive balls, including the set Falconer, who had just reached his century.
Despite late efforts from Bradley Sylvester and Ali Farooq, who added 28 for the final wicket, the game concluded when Basson bowled Farooq. South Africa had earlier posted 295 and 310 in their two innings, while England finished their second innings at 340, having scored 220 in their first. Key contributions for the victors included Muhammad Bulbulia’s 98 and 66, alongside solid scores from Jason Rowles and Pretorius. Majola also played a pivotal role with the ball, taking 4 for 47 in the first innings.
South Africa U19s 295 Bulbulia 98, Rowles 66, Pretorius 51, Farooq 3-40, Minto 3-60) and 310 (van Biljon 58, Rowles 52, Sylvester 3-33) beat England Under-19s 220 (Minto 66 , Flintoff 63, Majola 4-47) and 340 (Falconer 102, Blades 65, Lumsden 51, Basson 7-77) by 45 runs
Rocky Flintoff also got a reprieve when he nicked Basson to third and Jorich van Schalkwyk couldn't cling on, but three balls later he tried to pull him through square and was caught by Vihan Pretorius.
