The South African U19s capped off their one-day campaign with a resounding eight-wicket victory over Northerns at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley today.
The SA U19s sought vengeance against Northerns, who thrashed the national junior side by an innings and 83 runs against Northerns a week ago in what was both sides’ first three-day encounter.
The U19 team again elected to field first today and it worked out well, with the side exposing their opponents’ shortcomings during a shorter day out in the field.
The side from Pretoria was fully-dispatched for 102, with fast bowler Hardus Coetzee hitting his straps and claiming five wickets through aggressive and resilient bowling.
The trying exploits from Ruben Hermann (20), Gionne Koopman (23) and Gregory Mahlokwana (20 not out) proved to be in vain as their side struggled to make any headway with the bat.
The national side made easy pickings of their low target, even after losing openers – Jade Smith and Ethan-John Cunningham – cheaply. Dewald Brevis and George van Heerden steered the side home with swift unbeaten knocks.
Brevis scored a hasty 40-ball 54, which included four 4s and four 6s, while Van Heerden scored a 20-ball 23, including one 4 and two 6s.
The SA U19s are set to wrap up their journey in Kimberley with another red-ball encounter against Northern Cape from March 26 to 28.