In a display of absolute dominance, South Africa crushed Tanzania by 329 runs in the 14th match of the U19 World Cup 2026 at High Performance Oval in Windhoek. This victory marks the second-largest margin by runs in the tournament’s history, underscoring the Proteas’ young guns’ prowess.
Opting to bat first after losing the toss, South Africa’s batsmen unleashed havoc. They posted a mammoth 397/5 in their 50 overs, setting an insurmountable target. Captain Mohammad Bulbulia anchored the innings with a classy 108 off 108 balls, featuring 11 boundaries. Jason Rawles remained unbeaten on 125 from 101 deliveries, smashing 5 sixes and 10 fours in a brutal knock.
The duo forged a crucial 201-run partnership for the third wicket after early setbacks at 93/2. Openers fell quickly, but Zorich van Schalkwyk’s fiery 47 off 34 (5 sixes, 2 fours) and Adnaan Lagadien’s 32 off 31 provided momentum. Paul James chipped in with a quickfire 46 off 18 balls.
Tanzania’s bowlers struggled, with Simba Mbaki claiming 2 wickets, while Khalidi Juma and Alfred Deniyal picked one each. Chasing 398, Tanzania folded for a paltry 68 in 32.2 overs. They were 13/4 early on, and a brief 26-run stand for the fifth wicket between Laksh Bakrania and Mbaki couldn’t stem the collapse. Mbaki top-scored with 17, Ekere Pascal Hugo unbeaten on 12.
South Africa’s bowlers ran riot, led by Buyanda Majola and Jason Rolls with 2 wickets apiece. This win is South Africa’s second consecutive in the tournament, boosting their Group D standing, while Tanzania suffers back-to-back defeats. Historically, Australia’s 430-run thrashing of Kenya in 2002 holds the record, with India’s 326-run win over Uganda in 2022 third.
