SA U19 women clinch youth T20 tri-series title in last-over thriller

The South Africa Under-19 Women clinched the Youth T20 Tri-Series title with a five-wicket victory off the penultimate delivery of the final against the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Youth XI at the Chatsworth Oval in Durban on Sunday.

Ashleigh van Wyk grabbed three wickets for 24 runs as the SA U19s restricted the Youth XI to 114/8 in their 20 overs. Mieke van Voorst then expertly led the chase, scoring a measured 42 off 41 balls, including three fours, to help get her side over the line with one ball to spare.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, the CSA Youth XI made a positive start. Jezé Campher struck three boundaries on her way to 21 from 22 balls, sharing an opening partnership of 34 with Deidre van Rensburg (33) before being caught off the bowling of Anelisa Mhlongo (1/12) in the fifth over.

Van Rensburg continued to apply pressure alongside Chanel Venter (23), with the pair adding a vital 50 runs for the second wicket as the Youth XI took the game to their opponents.

The breakthrough South Africa needed arrived in the 14th over when Ashley Barnard (1/9) beat Van Rensburg’s bat, allowing Karabo Meso to complete the stumping.

That dismissal sparked a collapse for the invitational side, who slipped from 84/2 to 103/7 in six overs. Van Wyk led the charge, removing Venter, Siphokuhle Masilela (6), and Gabriella Sequira (2), while Maria van der Vyfer (1) was run out and Ashley Sibanda (0) fell to Miya Lalor (2/18).

Simone Lourens contributed a valuable run-a-ball 15 before becoming Lalor’s second wicket of the afternoon and the final batter to fall, as the Youth XI closed their innings on 114/8.

Chasing 115 to secure the title, the SA U19 Women struggled to find their rhythm early on. Sibanda (1/10) and Bruzaan Goosen (1/18) removed Lalor (7) and Meso (1) inside the first five overs, leaving South Africa at 25/2.

Opener Barnard (33) then combined with Van Voorst for the third wicket to bring calm to the dressing room.

The pair added 48 runs to propel their team to 73/2 in the 12th over before Van der Vyfer (1/24) broke the stand by rearranging Barnard’s furniture.

Van Voorst followed up with another important stand, this time alongside wicketkeeper-batter Jae-Leigh Filander (13*). The duo added 26 runs to move South Africa to the brink of victory. Van Voorst was eventually dismissed by Puseletso Sekhuthe (1/19), leaving the hosts with work still to do.

Requiring 16 runs from the final three overs, and despite losing Ashleigh van Wyk (3) in the 18th, the SA U19 Women held their nerve. Filander and Nobubelebesisa Zwane (9*) guided their side home with one ball remaining, sealing an unbeaten campaign and the Youth T20 Tri-Series trophy.

Player of the Series: Mieke van Voorst was deservedly named Player of the Series following a standout tournament, finishing as the leading run-scorer with 201 runs in five innings at an average of 50.3 and a strike rate of 121.8.