India Triumphs Over South Africa by 25 Runs in Rain-Interrupted U19 Opener

The Indian Under-19 cricket team commenced their World Cup preparations on a positive note by defeating South Africa U-19 by 25 runs in a rain-affected opening Youth ODI in Benoni on Saturday.

Opting to bat first, India managed to score 301 in their allotted 50 overs, despite an early collapse of their top order. Openers Aaron George (5) and Vaibhav Suryavanshi (11) were dismissed by the seventh over with just 34 runs on the board. The team faced further setbacks with the quick dismissals of wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu and Vedant Trivedi.

Finding themselves in a precarious position at 67 for four by the 15th over, Harvansh Pangalia and R.S. Ambrish stabilized the innings with a crucial 137-run partnership for the fifth wicket, taking the team past 200 runs. Ambrish was dismissed after a well-played 65 off 79 balls, while Pangalia continued to anchor the innings with an additional 58-run stand alongside Kanish Chouhan. Pangalia departed narrowly missing his century, falling seven runs short.

Khilan Patel’s quickfire 26 off just 12 balls, featuring three sixes, propelled India U-19 beyond the 300-run threshold.

In response, South Africa Under-19 stumbled to 62 for three, with India’s promising pacer Deepesh Devendran making key breakthroughs by dismissing Adnaan Lagadien and captain Muhammad Bulbulia in quick succession. Opener Jorich Van Schalkwyk remained unbeaten on 60 as South Africa reached 148 for four in 27.4 overs before rain halted the match. As no further play was possible, India secured victory by 25 runs through the DLS method.

BRIEF SCORES:
India Under-19: 301 in 50 overs (Harvansh Pangalia 93, R.S. Ambrish 65, JJ Bason 4/54)
South Africa Under-19: 148/4 in 27.4 overs (Jorich Van Schalkwyk 60 n.o., Armaan Manack 46)

Toss: South Africa Under-19

Published on January 3, 2026