Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
YOUTH cricket records came tumbling down as South Africa Under-19s made light work of Zimbabwe Under-19s in the first match of the Youth One Day International (YODI) Tri-Series at Sunrise Sports Club in Harare on Friday.
South Africa flexed their might, scoring a mammoth 385 runs all out, courtesy of a record-breaking Jorich Van Schalkwyk double ton, before going on to bowl Zimbabwe out for a paltry 107 runs in 24.3 overs, winning by 278 runs.
The margin of victory is South Africa Under-19s’ largest in terms of runs in YODIs, beating the 209-run win against Namibia in 2012.
The 385 runs was also their highest innings today in YODIs.
Van Schalkwyk scored 215 runs, the highest score for South Africa Under-19s in the format, surpassing his previous record of 164 not out. It is also the highest score in YODI’s, surpassing Hasitha Boyagoda’s 191 runs, becoming the first batter to score a double century in a YODI match.
His innings comprised 19 fours and six sixes, breaking the record for the most runs in boundaries in a YODI innings for South Africa Under-19s, going past Jonathan Bird’s 102 against England in 2018.
Zimbabwe’s Brandon Senzere went for 90 runs with the ball, the most runs conceded in an innings for Zimbabwe Under-19s in YODIs. He went past Steve Chimhamhiwa’s 86 against Pakistan in 2009. Benny Zuze also found himself on the wrong side of the history books, conceding 85 runs, now the third most for Zimbabwe Under-19s.
Despite the heavy defeat, Tatenda Chimugoro stood out for Zimbabwe with impressive figures of 6/62 in 7.5 overs. Shelton Mazvitorera took two scalps while Zuze and Senzera picked up one apiece.
With Van Schalkwyk stealing the show with the bat, Jason Rowles chipped in with 76 runs off 79 balls while Paul James scored 41 from 22.
Zimbabwe Under-19s had a 53 run opening wicket partnership between Nathaniel Hlabangana and Kupakwashe Muradzi, the only two batters to reach double figures. Muradzi was caught behind for 40 runs off 48 balls while Hlabangana fell for 31 runs off 28 deliveries.
Enathi Kitshini finished with figures of 4/19 for South Africa Under-19s with Bayanda Majola and Dayalan Boyce picking three and two wickets each respectively. Ntando Soni took one.
Zimbabwe Under-19s next match is against Bangladesh on Monday at Harare Sports Club.
