Makwetu, Rolfes lead SA U19 to win over Windies

A HEROIC and unbeaten 99-run knock by Wandile Makwetu and a haul of 4/33 by Hermann Rolfes secured a Super League spot for South Africa U19 as they beat defending champions West Indies by 76 runs at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, yesterday.

The unbeaten South Africans join hosts New Zealand and Afghanistan who have also qualified for the next stage of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup.

South Africa posted 282/8 at the end of their 50 overs after being put in to bat. The total was thanks mainly to Makwetu and a lower-order burst from Gerald Coeztee (29 off 13 balls), Kenan Smith (22 off 46) and Jade de Klerk (21 off 12) after the dismissal of Jiveshen Pillay (47) earlier.

The aspiring Proteas started off with a solid, 56-run opening stand between Pillay and Matthew Breetzke before the latter was caught and bowled by Jarion Hoyte for 18. Captain Raynard van Tonder was run out without scoring a run. Soon after, Pillay (47) was dismissed for obstructing the field after picking up the ball and passing it to the keeper when it had stopped beside the stumps off an inside edge. Then Hermann Rolfes (17) was caught out at the end of the 20th over. South Africa were 112/5 (26.1 overs) after Jason Niemand was run out for 15. The innings kicked on with a vengeance after he was dropped on 49 by Jeavor Royal and with the help of Coetzee, Smith and De Klerk, they put on 112 runs in the last 10 overs to reach their competitive total. The Windies were bowled out for 206 in 45.3 overs. A relentless attack led by Rolfes kept them quiet. Coetzee and De Klerk also made key contributions, taking 2/21 and 2/40 respectively.

South Africa’s last Group A match is this Saturday against the other unbeaten side, New Zealand, at the same venue.

It will be broadcast live on SuperSport 2 from 2.45am.