South Africa’s Under-19 cricketers delivered a batting masterclass in Windhoek, piling up 397/6 against Tanzania thanks to a sensational third-wicket stand of 201 between captain Mohammad Bulbulia and Jason Rawles in the 2026 U19 Cricket World Cup.
After being inserted, South Africa openers Jorich van Schalkwyk and Adnaan La Gadie set the tone, racing to 58/0 in 7.5 overs. Van Schalkwyk’s 47 (34 balls) included five massive sixes, but early wickets saw the score at 93/2.
Enter Bulbulia and Rawles. The duo’s composed yet aggressive 176-ball partnership ballooned the score to 294, with Bulbulia stroking 108 (108 balls, 10 fours, 1 six) and Rawles unbeaten on 125 (101 balls, 10 fours, 5 sixes).
Paul James provided the finishing touches, smashing 46 off 18 balls with five sixes and two fours in a 82-run fourth-wicket alliance off 35 balls. This performance erases memories of their 28-run loss to Afghanistan.
Tanzania’s bowlers toiled valiantly: Simba Mbaki (2 wickets), Khalidi Juma (1), and Alfred Daniel (1). The 398-run chase looms large for the Africans.
With West Indies awaiting on January 22, South Africa has served notice of their title aspirations in this high-stakes tournament.