SA u19 Women open ICC u19 Women’s T20 World Cup with a win

The South Africa u19 Women’s cricket team began their ICC u19 Women’s T20 World Cup campaign with a 22-run victory (DLS Method) over New Zealand u19 Women in a rain-affected match at the newly constructed Borneo Cricket Ground, in Sarawak, Malaysia, on Saturday.
Following a delayed start due to wet conditions, the game was reduced to 11 overs a side.
New Zealand won the toss and elected to field, but South Africa made the most of their time at the crease.
Openers Jemma Botha and Simoné Lourens laid a solid foundation with a 52-run partnership for the first wicket. Botha top-scored with 32 runs, while Lourens contributed 21.
The momentum was further boosted by Karabo Meso, who smashed a quickfire 25 off just 14 deliveries, which propelled South Africa to a competitive total of 91/7 after their 11 overs.
Then, a disciplined bowling performance by South Africa kept the victory target out of reach of the Kiwis.
Monalisa Legodi was the pick of the South African bowlers, delivering an exceptional spell to pick up 2/8, while Kayla Reyneke provided crucial support, claiming 2/15. New Zealand was restricted to 69/5, falling short by 22 runs.
Botha, named Player of the Match for her vital innings, reflected on the significance of the game and her preparation: “Switching to a shorter format after the rain delay required quick adaptation. I focused on staying mentally engaged and keeping the team’s goal at the forefront.
“It is a proud moment to contribute to the team’s success in the opening game of the World Cup and to be a part of history, playing and winning the first-ever match at this new venue,” she added.
South Africa u19 Women’s Squad: ICC u19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 (18 January – 2 February)
Kayla Reyneke (Captain, Western Province), Jemma Botha (Western Province), Fay Cowling (Lions), Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province), Mona-Lisa Legodi (Titans), Simoné Lourens (Titans), Karabo Meso (Lions), Seshnie Naidu (Dolphins), Nthabiseng Nini (Dragons), Luyanda Nzuza (Free State), Diara Ramlakan (Lions), Diedré van Rensburg (North West Dragons), Mieke van Voorst (Eastern Storm), Ashleigh van Wyk (Eastern Storm), Chanel Venter (Titans).
SA u19 Women Fixtures
Saturday, 18 January: 08:30 SAST – 1st Match: New Zealand vs South Africa (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak) – South Africa won by 22 runs.
Monday, 20 January: 08:30 SAST – 2nd Match: South Africa u19 vs Samoa (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak)
Wednesday, 22 January: 08:30 SAST – 3rd Match: South Africa u19 vs Nigeria (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak)
Saturday, 25 January – Wednesday, 29 January – Super Six Stage
Friday, 31 January: 04:30 SAST – 1st Semi-final (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur)
Friday, 31 January: 08:30 SAST – 2nd Semi-final (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur)
Sunday, 02 February: 08:30 SAST – Final (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur)