England U19 bounced back to level the Youth ODI series with an eight-wicket win over South Africa U19 at the County Ground in Northampton on Friday.
After bowling South Africa U19 out for 227 in 39.3 overs, England U19 chased down the target comfortably, reaching 228/2 in 38.4 overs.
South Africa U19 had contributions throughout the innings, but struggled to turn starts into a match-defining score. Nkosana Sibiya and Jason Rowles both made 15, while Jorich van Schalkwyk added early momentum with 21 off 17 balls.
Muhammad Bulbulia once again provided stability in the middle order, scoring 41 off 50 deliveries, before Vihan Pretorius and Michael Kruiskamp gave the innings late energy.
Pretorius struck 35 off 30 balls, including three fours and two sixes, while Kruiskamp top-scored with an attacking 47 from 39 deliveries. His innings, which included six fours and two sixes, helped South Africa U19 reach 227 before they were bowled out.
Ali Farooq was the pick of the England U19 bowlers, finishing with 3/29. James Minto and Ralphie Albert took two wickets each.
England U19 lost Harry Wallace early when JJ Basson had him caught for four, before Will Bennison was run out by Joshua van Biljon for 12 to leave the hosts 37/2.
But from there, Ben Dawkins and Rocky Flintoff took control of the chase.
Dawkins played a superb unbeaten innings of 118 from 114 balls, hitting 14 fours and three sixes. Flintoff supported him with an unbeaten 79 off 92 deliveries, striking 10 fours and two sixes.
The pair shared an unbroken 191-run partnership for the third wicket to guide England U19 to victory with 11.2 overs to spare.
The result levels the three-match series at 1-1, setting up a deciding third Youth ODI.
