Jonathan Bird ended South Africa U19’s series whitewash defeat against Pakistan as the leading run scorer.
The exciting opener finished with 356 runs following his two centuries and one fifty, averaging 59.33 in the six matches he played.
His side however finished without a win in their final clash on Sunday in another dominant Pakistan win.
An unbeaten half-century from Haris Khan helped Pakistan to a seven-wicket triumph in Chatsworth.
Khan smashed a 55-ball 69 (8×4, 1×6) alongside teammate, Basit Ali (56 off 95 balls; 5 fours), as Pakistan cantered to a convincing win with 13.3 overs to spare in response to the SA U19s’ rather modest total of 182-9 in 48 overs.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, South Africa’s innings failed to find the required rhythm to post a competitive score, as they lost wickets at regular intervals.
With only four scores above the 20-run mark, Bryce Parsons (37) top-scored for the hosts, while Bird (29) and Andrew Louw (25) also got promising starts before failing to convert.
Khanya Cotani recorded an undefeated 36 off 61 balls as last man in, Lifa Ntanzi (4), had to retire hurt after being hit in the head by a bouncer in the 48th over.
Mohammad Aamir led the charge with the ball for the sub-continent team, notching up figures of 3-40 while Khan (2-21) and Aamir Ali (2-27) also contributed.
Chasing the lowest target of the series, Pakistan made light work of their outing with the bat. Despite a period of sustained pressure from the South African youngsters, built through consecutive dot balls, an 82-run partnership for the third wicket between Khan and Ali edged their side towards victory before a late cameo from Fahad Munir (21*) guided them over the line.
For his two wickets and a match-winning half-century, Khan received the Man of the Match award, while Pakistan captain, Rohail Nazir claimed the Player of the Series accolade for his commendable work behind the stumps and 318 runs, including four half-centuries.
The SA U19s next take the field in a three-match Youth ODI series against India from 26-30 December in East London.
Photo: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix
