England U19 claimed the three-match Youth ODI series with a comprehensive 76-run victory over South Africa U19 at the Kent County Cricket Ground in Beckenham on Monday.

After posting 271 all out in 49.4 overs, England U19 produced a disciplined bowling performance to dismiss South Africa U19 for 195 in 43.3 overs and secure a 2-1 series triumph.

England recovered from an uncertain start after slipping to 41/3 inside eight overs. Michael Kruiskamp struck twice early, removing Ben Dawkins and Ralphie Albert, while Ntando Soni accounted for Will Bennison as South Africa seized the early initiative.

The innings was rebuilt through a crucial 105-run fourth-wicket partnership between Rocky Flintoff and Caleb Falconer.

Falconer led the recovery with an aggressive 79 from 68 deliveries, striking 10 fours and two sixes, while Flintoff provided the anchor with a composed 55 off 76 balls.

Although South Africa fought back through Kruiskamp, who finished with impressive figures of 4/44, England’s lower order ensured the hosts posted a competitive total.

Manny Lumsden provided valuable late acceleration with 38 from 25 balls, while James Minto remained unbeaten on 21 as England reached 271.

Soni supported Kruiskamp with 2/55, while Jason Rowles, Vihan Pretorius and Paul James each claimed wickets.

South Africa’s chase began brightly before James Minto removed Nkosana Sibiya for 19 to leave the visitors 40/1.

Captain Jason Rowles kept South Africa in the contest with a determined 85 from 97 balls, hitting nine fours and two sixes. However, he received little sustained support as wickets fell regularly around him.

Jorich van Schalkwyk made 11, Muhammad Bulbulia added 11 and Paul James contributed 28, but no other batter passed 30 as England steadily tightened their grip on the match.

Ali Farooq struck three key blows in the middle overs, dismissing Van Schalkwyk, Bulbulia and Pretorius, before Minto returned to remove Rowles and Tahseen Hanslo.

Jack Nelson then wrapped up the innings with three late wickets to finish with 3/43, while Minto ended with outstanding figures of 3/21.

South Africa U19 were eventually bowled out for 195, handing England U19 a convincing victory and the series 2-1 after recovering from their opening-match defeat.