The ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2024 was a spectacle of power hitting, highlighted by Steve Stolk's explosive 34 runs in a single over at Potchefstroom and the stylish batting of Shahzaib Khan in East London. In a record-breaking display, Stolk hit a quick 50 off just 13 balls, including eight sixes. He apparently shattered the previous record set by India's Rishabh Pant, who struck a 18-ball fifty in Under-19 World Cup 2016 against Nepal. His teammate, Dewan Marais, also shone with an unbeaten half-century that included three sixes, helping the Proteas comfortably chase down Scotland's 270-run target in 27 overs. In another match, Shahzaib and Shamyl Hussain's solid opening partnership, both scoring centuries, propelled Pakistan to a dominant 10-wicket victory over New Zealand, following an impressive performance by their bowlers.
Furthermore, in the critical Super Six match in Kimberley, Newman Nyamhuri's impressive four-wicket spell guided Zimbabwe to a straightforward victory against Namibia.
Steve Stolk runs riot
Choosing to field first, South Africa maintained tight bowling but couldn't make early inroads as Scotland's openers cautiously built their innings. Adi Hegde's dismissal to Riley Norton set the stage for Dunk's aggressive batting, accelerating Scotland's run rate. Although Alec Price departed for 18, Dunk and Gould forged a pivotal century partnership, putting Scotland in a commanding position and pressuring South Africa, who struggled to break the partnership. Dunk was nearing a century when Norton returned to dismiss him, just as he entered the nineties.
Uzair Ahmed's brief but explosive stint included consecutive sixes and a four, briefly relieving Scotland's tension before Norton claimed his wicket. Gould, nearing his own century, was dismissed for 97 in the final over by Kwena Maphaka, leaving Scotland at 269, a challenging total for South Africa.
However, South Africa's response was swift, with Steve Stolk unleashing a fierce attack. His innings began with three consecutive fours off Qasim Khan and escalated with five sixes and a four in Khan's following over, notching up a rapid 13-ball half-century. Despite Scotland's bowling changes, Stolk dominated, propelling South Africa past the hundred-run mark.
Koteeshwaran's medium pace eventually ended Stolk's incredible 37-ball 86-run innings, one of the tournament's standout performances. Hegde's dismissal of Tristan Luus for 14 gave Scotland a glimmer of hope, but South Africa's required run rate had become almost negligible due to Stolk's onslaught.
Dewan Marais, elevated to No.5, joined forces with David Teeger in a rapid century partnership. Marais' aggressive batting saw him reach 80 in just 50 balls, while Teeger remained unbeaten on 43. South Africa's emphatic chase concluded in just 27 overs, surpassing 10 runs per over.
With this victory, South Africa topped their group, advancing to the Super Six phase of the tournament alongside West Indies and England.
Pakistan bulldoze New Zealand
Choosing to field first, Pakistan saw Ubaid Shah, brother of Pakistan's senior team standout Naseem, quickly dismantle New Zealand's top order. Ubaid dismissed Luke Watson for zero in the third over, followed by Tom Jones, who edged a sharply seaming delivery to the keeper. He then bowled Snehith Reddy with a delivery that cut in to hit the middle stump.
Oliver Tewatiya and Oscar Jackson initiated a recovery for New Zealand, but their effort was interrupted when Mohammad Zeeshan claimed the wicket of the captain. Meanwhile, Lachlan Stackpole's aggressive play brought New Zealand back into the game.
While Tewatiya maintained a defensive stance, Stackpole aggressively built their partnership. However, Naveed Khan halted their progress, catching Stackpole at cover. Soon after, Naveed also stumped Tewatiya, leaving New Zealand struggling again. The lower order collapsed to Arafat Minhas' left-arm spin, sliding from 117/4 to a total of 140, as Pakistan wrapped up a formidable bowling display.
In their chase, openers Shahzaib Khan and Shamyl Hussain dashed any hopes for New Zealand, racing to 54 in the initial Powerplay. The duo established a century partnership by the 19th over and swiftly reached the target within 26 overs. Shamyl remained not out on 54 from 66 balls, while Player of the Match Shahzaib Khan scored an unbeaten 80 off 86 balls.
This victory ensures Pakistan finishes the group stage undefeated and enters the Super Six with high morale. Joining them from Group D are New Zealand and Nepal, with Afghanistan narrowly missing out after a last-minute defeat to Nepal.
Zimbabwe thrash Namibia
In a pivotal match, Zimbabwe's bowlers rose to the occasion after choosing to field first. Kohl Eksteen made an early impact by dismissing Johannes de Villiers, but Namibia cautiously navigated the Powerplay to avoid further losses.
Newman Nyamhuri, the left-arm fast bowler, quickly disrupted Namibia's innings, claiming two wickets in rapid succession, reducing them to 49/3 with a sluggish run rate.
Despite efforts by captain Alexander Volschenk to accelerate the scoring, Nyamhuri continued his impressive form, taking the key wicket of Zacheo van Vuuren. Ryan Simbi, the left-arm spinner, then intensified the pressure in his second spell, proving too challenging for the Namibian batsmen.
Simbi dismissed Ben Brassell and Volschenk, placing Zimbabwe firmly in control. He claimed a third wicket in his ninth over, leaving Namibia struggling at seven down with a modest score.
Hanro Badenhorst played a cautious innings from the No.10 spot, scoring an unbeaten 39 off 76 balls, aided by the lower order, as Namibia labored to 146 in 50 overs.
Needing a victory to advance, Zimbabwe's Panashe Taruvinga adopted a careful approach on a pitch known for low scores in the tournament. Despite losing his opening partner Ryan Kamwemba early, Taruvinga's measured batting avoided any mishaps. Brendon Sunguro provided steady support, and their partnership nearly secured the win for Zimbabwe.
After Sunguro's dismissal for 29, Taruvinga remained not out on 49, guiding Zimbabwe to a comfortable victory with 17 overs and eight wickets to spare.
Zimbabwe now progresses to the Super Six stage, joining Australia and Sri Lanka from Group C.
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