India's Under-19 team kicked off their World Cup preparations on a high note, securing a 25-run victory over South Africa Under-19 in a rain-affected Youth ODI at Benoni on January 3. After being asked to bat first, India posted a formidable 301. India's middle order staged a remarkable recovery following a top-order collapse that saw openers Aaron George and 14-year-old captain Vaibhav Suryavanshi dismissed with just 34 runs on the board.
The situation grew increasingly dire for the visitors at 67 for four in the 15th over, after the quick wickets of Abhigyan Kundu and Vedant Trivedi. However, the momentum shifted decisively when Harvansh Pangalia and R.S. Ambrish joined forces. The duo stitched together a vital 137-run partnership for the fifth wicket, with Ambrish scoring a mature 65. Pangalia anchored the innings brilliantly, eventually falling just seven runs short of a century with a superb 93.
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A late-innings burst from all-rounder Khilan Patel, who hammered a 12-ball 26 featuring three sixes, ensured India crossed the 300-run mark.
Leading the South African bowling attack, JJ Basson was the standout performer, finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 54 in his 10-over spell. He provided the initial breakthrough by dismissing the Indian captain and later returned to remove the set batter, Harvansh Pangalia, for 93. The rest of the wickets were shared among the other bowlers, with Bayanda Majola, Ntando Soni, and Bandile Mbatha each claiming one scalp. Majola struck early to remove opener Aaron George, while Soni and Mbatha played key roles in dismantling India's top and middle order, respectively, before three run-outs eventually ended the visitors' innings.
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In the second innings, South Africa U19’s chase was anchored by a solid performance from opener Jorich Van Schalkwyk, who remained unbeaten with 60 runs off 72 deliveries. He found a capable partner in Armaan Manack, who contributed a vital 46 runs to the scoreboard. Together, they attempted to build a platform for a successful pursuit of India's target, but their progress was ultimately cut short by the elements. As the weather deteriorated, persistent rain and lightning forced a permanent halt to the proceedings. At the time the match was called off, the Proteas had reached 148 for 4. Because they were behind the required par score at that juncture, India was declared the winner by 25 runs via the DLS method, securing an early lead in the series.
Meanwhile, the second Youth ODI will be played on January 5 at the same venue.