Dewan Marais (65) and SA U19 skipper Juan James’ 131-run partnership and Kwena Maphaka’s five-for ensured a victory for South Africa U19 in their opening World Cup match against the West Indies.

It was a close encounter between the two nations with some entertaining performances from players in both sides.

For South Africa, there was a crucial partnership between Marais and James which helped SA set up a decent total of 285. This was after the hosts were 145-6 after 34.4 overs

Marais hit an entertaining 65 off 38 balls (4 fours, 4 sixes) and James was more measured 47 off 54 balls (3 fours, 1 six) to take the team to 276 before Marais lost his wicket.

SA did have help from their top order too, Lhuan-dre Pretorius played some beautiful shots for his 40 off 34 (6 fours and 1 six) before losing his wicket, and David Teeger was a lot slower in his approach losing his wicket after a 98-ball 44.

In the bowling department, Maphaka was the star with his 5-38, one coming in his first over and two in his second over. He was also key at the death taking a wicket in the 39th over and the 40th to clean up the opposition for 254.

Wicket-keeper batter Jewel Andrew’s 130 off 96 balls almost took the game away from SAU19, but Riley Norton (3-66) dismissed home as the Windies hit 250 in the 38th over.

All in all a decent start to the tournament for SAU19 as they sealed a 31-run win.

Scorecard