South Africa script history with record total in U19 World Cup 2026

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In a staggering display of batting dominance, South Africa U19 team rewrote the record books on Monday at the High-Performance Oval in Windhoek. Facing tournament debutants Tanzania in a Group D encounter of the 2026 ICC Men’s U-19 Cricket World Cup, the Junior Proteas amassed a colossal 397/5. This monumental figure not only set the benchmark for the highest team total in the current edition but also stands as South Africa’s highest-ever score in the history of the Under-19 World Cup.

The performance served as a fierce redemption arc for the South Africans, following a narrow 28-run loss to Afghanistan in their tournament opener. By eclipsing Sri Lanka’s brief record of 391 (set against Japan just days prior), the Proteas have now climbed to eighth on the all-time list of highest scores in the competition’s history.

The foundation of this historic total was laid by a masterclass in aggressive yet calculated batting. After openers Jorich van Schalkwyk (a brisk 47 off 34) and Adnaan Lagadien (32) provided a solid start, the stage was taken over by captain Muhammad Bulbulia and the in-form Jason Rowles. The duo orchestrated a devastating 201-run partnership for the third wicket, a stand that effectively batted Tanzania out of the contest.

Bulbulia led by example, anchoring the innings with a precise 108 off 108 balls, reaching his milestone with a towering six before eventually departing. However, it was Rowles who stole the show with his sheer power. Fresh off a 98-run knock in the previous game, Rowles remained unbeaten on 125 from just 101 deliveries, peppered with ten boundaries and five sixes. Their chemistry shifted the momentum entirely, pushing the run rate into the stratosphere and leaving the Tanzanian bowlers searching for answers.

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Even after the dismissal of the captain, the South African onslaught showed no signs of slowing down. Paul James provided the late-innings fireworks, playing a sensational cameo of 46 runs from a mere 18 balls. His strike rate of over 250 ensured that the Proteas maintained their velocity, falling just three runs short of the elusive 400-run milestone.

The scoreboard pressure proved insurmountable for Tanzania. South Africa’s bowling unit, led by Bayanda Majola (2/6) and the multi-talented Jason Rowles (2/14), dismantled the opposition for just 68 runs in 32.2 overs. The resulting 329-run victory is now the second-largest winning margin in U19 World Cup history, a statistic that significantly boosts South Africa’s Net Run Rate (NRR) as they eye the knockout stages.

With this record-breaking momentum, the Junior Proteas now turn their attention to a high-stakes final Group D clash against the West Indies on January 22. If they replicate this clinical form, the 2014 champions look like serious contenders to reclaim the crown in 2026.

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