South Africa Under-19 wrapped up a successful tour of England after the second Youth Test ended in a draw at the County Ground in Hove, giving the visitors a 1-0 series victory.
After England chose to bowl first, South Africa put together a strong first-innings total of 460. Captain Jason Rowles led from the front with a brilliant 201, while Bandile Mbatha added 81 and Joshua van Biljon contributed 72. England’s Ali Farooq was the pick of the bowlers with 4/102.
South Africa then backed up their batting performance with an excellent effort in the field. JJ Basson struck with the first ball of England’s innings and finished with 4/44 as England were bowled out for 320. Despite centuries from Ralphie Albert (100) and JA Nelson (128), South Africa claimed a 140-run first-innings lead. Mbatha, Bayanda Majola and Vihan Pretorius each picked up two wickets.
England fought back in South Africa’s second innings, bowling the visitors out for 209. Van Biljon continued his good form with 97, while Paul James made 28. Bradley Sylvester and Ali Farooq claimed three wickets each to leave England needing 350 to win.
With time running out on the final day, England finished on 100/2 from 35 overs as the match ended in a draw. Joseph Moores (22) and Rocky Flintoff (25) remained unbeaten at the close.
Although the second Test ended without a winner, South Africa claimed the two-match series 1-0 thanks to their victory in the opening Test.
The match also marked a historic achievement for Jason Rowles. His outstanding 201 saw him become South Africa’s leading run-scorer in Under-19 Test cricket, surpassing Boeta Dippenaar’s previous record of 422 runs. In just seven innings, Rowles has amassed one century and five half-centuries, highlighting his remarkable consistency.
Rowles also became only the second South African Under-19 batter to score a double century in Youth Test cricket, equalling Grant Elliott’s unbeaten 201 against England, further cementing his place in South Africa’s youth cricket history.
