Dewald Brevis scored a century and took two wickets as South Africa registered their first win of the U19 World Cup with a convincing 121-run margin against Uganda.
It was a timely bounceback after a tough loss to a strong Indian side.
Having opted to bat first, the junior Proteas were in for a jolt when both openers departed within the first 10 overs. Seamers Murungi and Sowobi were keeping it tight, but Dewald Brevis, South Africa’s star of the show from last game, picked up from where he left off.
Despite two early reprieves, Brevis got off to a rollicking start, while skipper George van Heerden played second fiddle.
Even though SA struggled to maintain a healthy scoring rate, regular boundaries from Brevis ensured that they’d work towards a solid total.
Brevis and van Heerden stitched together a vital 74-run stand, which held the innings together well. One too many big shots from van Heerden was his undoing, as offspinner Edwin Nuwagaba struck at a key stage to bring the game back in the balance.
Fortunately, Brevis had another reliable partner in Kaden Solomons – they ended up adding 53 together, which was the second half-century stand of the innings.
Spin continued to keep the Proteas in check, as offspinner Joseph Baguma struck to remove Solomons just when SA were making crucial progress.
The highlight was, without a doubt, Brevis bringing up a superlative century. He’s been the talisman for the Proteas so far, and his rich vein of form has been very beneficial. However, a flurry of wickets towards the end kept 250 out of reach.
Regardless, 231/9 was a reasonable first-innings total, and the Ugandans had their work cut out against a threatening bowling lineup.
Aphiwe Mnyanda struck early to remove opener Ronald Omara. But a few expensive overs from Mnyanda and Boast kept Uganda on track. Fortunately, Mnyanda found his rhythm in the 8th over, and Fahad Mutangana edged one to wicketkeeper Solomons.
This was the catalyst for what would be a dominant bowling display from the Proteas. Not only were Uganda finding it difficult to score, but the introduction of each successive bowling option yielded wickets.
Isaac Ategeka fought bravely for Uganda with a dogged 72-ball 29, but in the end it was too steep a mountain to climb.
Brevis rounded off his dream day with two wickets of his own to close out a successful day from both an individual and team perspective.
South Africa’s next game will be against Ireland on Friday.
SA 231-9 in 50 overs (Brevis 104 – Miyaji 8-0-33-3, Murungi 10-0-58-3)
Uganda 110 in 33.4 overs (Ategeka 29 – Alder 10-3-13-2, Brevis 5.4-1-18-2, Mnyanda 5-0-24-2)
