Windhoek, Namibia – In a dominant display at the High Performance Oval, South Africa’s Under-19 team posted a formidable 397/6 against Tanzania in their Group D clash of the 2026 U19 World Cup. Captain Mohammad Bulbulia and Jason Rawles forged a match-defining 201-run third-wicket partnership, both slamming centuries to set a daunting target.
South Africa, batting first after losing the toss, started strongly with openers Jorich van Schalkwyk and Adnaan La Gadie adding 58 runs in just 7.5 overs. Van Schalkwyk’s explosive 47 off 34 balls, featuring five sixes and two fours, gave the Proteas a blistering start before he departed.
La Gadie contributed 32, partnering with Bulbulia to push the score to 93/2. Then came the game-changer: Bulbulia and Rawles took control. Their 176-ball stand rescued South Africa from early pressure, propelling them to 294.
Bulbulia anchored with a classy 108 off 108 balls (10 fours, 1 six), while Rawles went berserk, finishing unbeaten on 125 off 101 balls (10 fours, 5 sixes). Paul James then chipped in with a quickfire 46 off 18 (2 fours, 5 sixes), adding 82 runs for the fourth wicket in 35 balls.
Tanzania’s bowlers struggled, with Simba Mbaki claiming 2 wickets, and Khalidi Juma and Alfred Daniel picking one each. This massive total gives South Africa a strong chance to bounce back after their opening 28-run loss to Afghanistan.
Next up for the Proteas is a crucial encounter against West Indies on January 22. Tanzania faces a Herculean task chasing 398 on a batting-friendly pitch.