Jason Rowles' brave 98 not enough as Junior Proteas fall to Afghanistan in World Cup opener

Chasing 267, the Junior Proteas were bowled out for 238 in 47.4 overs, with Rowles' superb 98 standing in stark contrast to the struggles of the rest of the batting line-up. The left-hander showed maturity beyond his years, controlling the chase and timing the ball sweetly against a disciplined Afghan spin attack, but he ultimately ran out of partners.

South Africa's reply never fully settled. Early wickets put pressure on the middle order, and while Rowles anchored the innings, support was sporadic. Armaan Manack added 15 during a 60-run stand with Rowles, while Paul James' scratchy four came during another brief partnership that pushed the score past 150. Wicketkeeper Lethabo Phahlamohlaka (22 off 20) and Corne Botha (25 off 17) injected late urgency with a flurry of sixes, but the asking rate had climbed beyond 10 an over in the final stretch.

The defining moment came in the 41st over when Rowles, on 98, was run out attempting a second run after a sharp piece of fielding from Azizullah Miakhil. From there, Afghanistan kept their composure, with Khatir Stanikzai removing Botha late on as South Africa lost their final wickets in quick succession.

Earlier, Afghanistan had built a strong platform after being put in to bat. Following the early loss of Osman Sadat, openers Khalid Ahmadzai and Faisal Shinozada took control with a measured 152-run partnership for the second wicket. Ahmadzai made 74 from 102 balls, while Shinozada impressed with a fluent 81, guiding Afghanistan to 183 for 1 with 15 overs remaining and the prospect of a much bigger total.

South Africa fought back admirably in the closing stages. Bayanda Majola broke the key stand in the 35th over and, alongside Corne Botha, helped rein in the scoring. Botha finished with three wickets, as did Majola, while wicketkeeper Phahlamohlaka contributed with five catches behind the stumps.

Afghanistan, however, did not lose momentum entirely. Uzairullah Niazai batted with calm assurance to remain unbeaten on a run-a-ball 51, ensuring his side posted a competitive 266 for 8.

For South Africa, the defeat leaves little margin for error as they prepare for group matches against the West Indies and Tanzania in their pursuit of a Super Six place. For Afghanistan, it was a disciplined all-round performance that underlined their growing pedigree at Under-19 level, built on a solid batting base and smart bowling under pressure.