Zimbabwe Under-19s lose series as SA take 3-0 lead

ZIMBABWE Under-19 Emerging’s quest to claw back into the five match one-day series against their South African counterparts took a turn for the worse as the visitors now enjoy an unassailable 3-0 lead.

The hosts suffered a 10 wicket defeat in the third one-dayer played at Queens Sports Club on Wednesday afternoon, a defeat that saw South Africa Under-19 Emerging secure a series win with two games left to go.

Zimbabwe were outplayed with both bat and ball during the crunch encounter, which they needed to win to keep their hopes of salvaging something alive.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the hosts were bowled out for 180 runs in 48,5 overs before the visitors went on to chase down the target in just 22,3 overs, finishing on 183 without loss.

Zimbabwe Under-19 Emerging captain, Nathaniel Hlabangana scored a half century, finishing on 54 runs off 78 balls while Kupakwashe Muradzi and Tatenda Banda made 25 runs apiece off 51 and 48 deliveries respectively.

Ntando Soni and Paul James led South Africa Under-19 Emerging’s bowling unit, both picking up three scalps apiece. In his 10-over spell, Soni conceded 34 runs at 3,4 while James gave away nine runs in 5,5 overs at 1,54.

Jason Rowles finished with figures of 2/25 in eight overs. Buyanda Majola was also on the wicket taking charts with one scalp in his 10 overs while the other wicket that fell was a run out by Muhammed Bulbulia.

South Africa Emerging’s opening pair of Ben Hockly and Jorich Van Schalkwayk would go on to comfortably chase down the target.

Hockly finished unbeaten on 84 runs off 72 balls while Van Schalkwayk made 79 runs not out from 64 balls.

The fourth game is scheduled for today with the other remaining game pencilled in for Sunday at Queens Sports Club.

All matches are free of charge for spectators and Tuskers General Manager, Victor Mhlanga has called on all cricket and sport enthusiasts to make way to Queens Sports Club and enjoy enthralling action from the two countries’ next generation of stars

The two teams are using the series as part of their early preparations for the 2026 ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup that will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia. — @brandon_malvin