India U19 secured a 25-run win over South Africa in the opening youth ODI on Saturday with a Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) win after rain brought an early end to the hosts’ chase. After posting a competitive 301 all out in 50 overs, India maintained a strong position at the break to leave South Africa trailing by 148 for 4 in 27.4 overs. The result gives India an early lead in the series and showcased the team’s resilience in overcoming a shaky start with the bat.
Despite losing the openers Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Aaron George cheaply, India U19 rebuilt with an excellent partnership of 137 runs for the fifth wicket between Harvansh Pangalia (93 off 95 balls) and RS Ambrish (65 off 79 balls). Pangalia hit seven fours and two sixes while Ambrish contributed seven boundaries to lift India from 67 for 4 in the 15th over to a commanding lead. Quick contributions from Kanishk Chouhan (32 off 23) and Khilan Patel (26 off 12) boosted the total further, though South African paceman JJ Basson took 4 for 54 to check India’s pace at crucial moments.
South Africa’s chase got off to a poor start as they lost three wickets for 62 with Deepesh Devendran (2 for 33) doing the early damage. Khilan Patel provided support with economical bowling, taking 1 for 14. Jorich Van Schalkwyk steadied the innings with an unbeaten 60 off 72 deliveries, while Armaan Manack contributed 46, but the hosts fell short of the required pace as the weather deteriorated.
The turning point came when lightning and heavy rain forced the players off the field during the 28th over of South Africa’s chase. At 148 for 4 in 27.4 overs, DLS calculations had India ahead by 25 runs. With the conditions showing no signs of improvement, the umpires called off the match and awarded the win to India.
Key strategic decisions revolved around India’s recovery from early setbacks, highlighted by the consolidation from Pangala and Ambrish. Their approach shifted from caution to aggression as they cashed in on loose deliveries, while South Africa’s bowlers, Basson in particular, aimed for breakthroughs but lacked consistent support. A top-order collapse in South Africa undermined their chase, leaving Van Schalkwyk and Manack’s efforts insufficient as rain intervened.
The result sees India take the lead in the series and underlines the value of middle-order resilience and composure in youth cricket. Both teams will be looking to address their weaknesses ahead of the next game, with South Africa looking for better top-order stability and India looking to build on their pace.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
January 4, 2026
