JOHANNESBURG: For many young South Africans, the journey into cricket doesn’t begin on a perfectly manicured pitch or in front of a crowd. It begins with access; to equipment, to safe spaces, and to someone who believes they belong in the game.
Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) recently launched ‘Ready to Play’ programme is built on that simple, but powerful idea. The idea that every child, regardless of background, deserves the chance to pick up a bat, bowl a ball, and feel what it means to be part of the game.
Across communities, in schools and hubs, the programme aims to reshape what that first moment looks like.
For some, it’s receiving their very first cricket bat. For others, it’s stepping onto a field for the first time, guided by coaches who understand that development is about more than just technique; it’s about confidence, belonging, and opportunity.
This past season, the Hollywoodbets Pro Series showed us the importance of taking the first step to nurturing the building blocks of our pathway.
The finalist teams in the Hollywoodbets Pro50 and Pro20 competitions came together to pack essential care packages that were donated to Sukuma Primary School in Umlazi and John Dube High School in KwaMashu in KwaZulu-Natal.
From hygiene products to everyday school necessities such as pens, rulers and erasers, each item that was packed carries the same intention, to support young people in ways that extend beyond the boundary.
“It’s incredibly important for us to recognise the role we can play beyond the boundary,” said World Sports Betting Western Province Women’s captain, Leah Jones.
“Taking part in something like this reminds us that the game has given us so much, and it’s our responsibility to help open those same doors for the next generation.”
Fellow finalist, DP World Lions Women Captain, Kgomotso Rapoo, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the impact of access at grassroots level.
“Programmes like Ready to Play are changing lives in ways that go far beyond cricket.
“When young people are supported in a holistic way, both in the classroom and on the field, it builds confidence. And confidence is where everything starts.”
As part of CSA’s broader development pathway, the initiative seeks to nurture the game from its foundation, ensuring that every aspiring cricketer has the opportunity to begin their journey.
Because before every cover drive, every wicket, and every Proteas cap… someone, somewhere, was simply given the chance to be ready to play.
Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications
SA u19 Women during the first T20 against Zimbabwe in the Youth T20 Series at the Chatsworth Oval in Durban (Photo: CSA)
TSHWANE: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced a 25-player squad for the first SA20 U19 Women’s Camp of 2026, scheduled to take place at the CSA Centre of Excellence in Tshwane from 24-27 April.
This camp follows previous SA20 U19 Women Camps held in 2024 and 2025, a joint effort between CSA and SA20 to prepare players for upcoming World Cups and expand the talent pool by creating a high-performance environment that reflects the standards required in international cricket.
This four-day camp takes place at a critical juncture in South Africa’s preparation for the 2027 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and Nepal. It comes shortly after the SA U19 Women claimed bronze in the Patricia Kambarami Cup in Nigeria in March and hosted a T20I Tri-Series in January against Zimbabwe U19 and a CSA Youth XI invitational team.
Sharing her thoughts on the importance of the camp, SA U19 Women head coach Dinesha Devnarain commented:
“These camps are the bedrock of our strategy, where we can invite an extended group of players to contribute to the development of the player pipeline while we continue building towards next year’s World Cup.
“Following crucial game time in Nigeria last month and the T20 Tri-Series earlier this year for the U19 group, we are excited to get back together on the training ground and work on getting better across all facets while providing opportunities for more players to put their hands up.
“The focus of this camp, among other holistic objectives, will be targeting skill development under pressure with an emphasis on decision-making and execution, as well as increasing game exposure to ensure players are challenged in realistic match scenarios.”
Players who participated in this year’s Switch Schools SA20 competition also feature prominently in this camp’s squad selection, with 16 of the 25 players having represented their schools and hubs in Volume 2 of the tournament.
Highlighting this group is Tshepiso Motswi of Nkowankowa Hub, the Volume 2 Player of the Tournament, alongside captains Daneli Boshoff (HTS Drostdy), Respect Mabasa (Nkowankowa Hub) and Shreeya Subbiah (Chatsworth Hub). The squad also includes other future stars who recently competed in the Schools SA20 Finals at the University of Pretoria, such as Mia-Lize van der Vyver, Lizé de Waal (both Drostdy), and Mankwana Moriri from Queens High School, who won the title.
“The value of the Schools SA20 and U19 Women’s camp programmes cannot be overstated. It provides young girls with regular, competitive cricket and the vital exposure needed to climb the ranks,” said SA20 Head of Cricket Operations, Stephen Cook.
“We have already seen the impact of this pathway with the likes of Karabo Meso and Kayla Reyneke breaking through to the senior national team and the number of graduates who have already turned out for the SA U19 team. Seeing 16 players from Volume 2 in this camp proves that the project is working.”
SA20 U19 Women’s Camp Squad
Ashley Barnard (Mpumalanga), Chris-Mari Bezuidenhout (Mpumalanga), Daneli Boshoff (Boland), Jezé Campher (South Western Districts), Lizé de Waal (Boland), Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province), Bruzaan Goosen (Easterns), Miya Lalor (Western Province), Respect Mabasa (Limpopo), Siphokuhle Masilela (Easterns), Ziya Mohanlall (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), Kananelo Mokoena (Easterns), Mankwana Moriri (Central Gauteng Lions), Tshepiso Motswi (Limpopo), Gabriella Sequiera (Titans), Ashley Sibanda (Central Gauteng Lions), Shreeya Subbiah (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), Melissa van der Merwe (Boland), Mia-Lize van der Vyver (Boland), Mieke van Voorst (Easterns), Ashleigh Van Wyk (Easterns), Chanel Venter (Titans), Cayleigh Wanckel (Eastern Province), Hannah Warner (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), and Nobubelebesisa Zwane (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal)
Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications
Waldo Ostreline – Operations Director, Sport Construct, Zizi Mkhize, and David Mokopanele – CSA Interim Executive – Domestic Cricket (Photo: CSA)
JOHANNESBURG: On a familiar street in Kagiso, the sound of leather on willow is beginning to echo a little louder, and for Zizi Mkhize, it’s the sound of a dream coming full circle as Cricket South Africa (CSA) continues to stay true to its mission of making cricket accessible to all those who want to play it.
CSA, alongside one of its brightest young talents, handed over a newly installed cricket net facility to Thembile Primary School, just a stone’s throw from Zizi’s home, on Thursday.
The handover brought together CSA and Lions representatives, hub coaches, educators, and a group of eager KFC Mini Cricket participants from the school, all united in celebrating the milestone.
Zizi’s story started in the very same community, where he first picked up a bat through the KFC Mini Cricket programme. From informal games on the sidelines while accompanying his father, respected local coach Thokozani Mqina, to structured development through the Kagiso Hub, his rise has been both steady and inspiring.
That journey reached new heights in December 2025 when he was named Player of the Tournament at the CSA Under-16 National Week in Boland, helping guide the Lions U16 to a national title. The accolade came with a cricket net installation voucher sponsored by Sports Construct.
Zizi donated the voucher to the Eyethu Yarona Foundation, and together with the family, Thembile Primary School was identified as the ideal home for the facility.
This latest installation expands access even further within Kagiso, ensuring more children can engage with the sport in a meaningful way.
For many of the learners, this represents more than just a training facility, it’s a gateway to possibility.
Zizi Mkhize hits the first ball in the newly erected facility at Thembile Primary School (Photo: CSA)
For the 16-year-old Mkhize, this is far more than infrastructure. It’s about access, opportunity, and creating a space where the next generation can begin their own journey in the game.
“Today is more than just a handover. It is a full-circle moment,” said Mkhize.
“Cricket has given me more than just a bat and a ball. It has given me discipline, belief, and a vision bigger than myself. And along this journey, I have come to realise something powerful: success means very little if it doesn’t reach beyond you.
“This facility is not simply a structure. It is a space where potential will be shaped, where dedication will be tested, and where futures will quietly begin to take form. It is a place where effort will echo long before recognition arrives.
“I was fortunate. I had people who guided me, challenged me, and opened doors for me. And because of that, I carry a responsibility; not just to play the game well, but to grow the game where I come from. This initiative is my way of honouring that responsibility.
“Because true progress is not measured by how far you go alone, but by how many others are able to rise because you chose to give back. And this is only the beginning,” Mkhize concluded.
A moment of celebration with Mkhize, CSA, Lions Cricket and School Representatives (Photo: CSA)
Now a bursary student at Jeppe High School for Boys and already making waves in provincial cricket, Zizi continues to walk a path shaped by talent, discipline, and purpose. But it is his commitment to community that sets his story apart.
As the sun sets over Kagiso, the nets at Thembile Primary stand ready, not just for Zizi, but for every young boy and girl with a bat in hand and a dream in mind.
And for many of them, that dream has never felt closer.
Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications
Team captains at the Nigeria Invitational Women’s T20I Tournament, held at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, Lagos, in March 2026 (PHOTO: Nigerian Cricket Federation on Instagram)
JOHANNESBURG: South Africa Under-19 Women head coach Dinesha Devnarain reflected on a lesson-filled campaign following her team’s third-place finish at the recently concluded Patricia Kambarami Cup in Nigeria, as the side continues to build towards next year’s ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Led by captain Mieke van Voorst, who scored 208 runs in six innings at an average of 41.6 and a strike rate of 131, the SA U19s showed encouraging progress throughout the tournament. Their campaign included a win over Ghana and two victories against Zimbabwe Under-19, with their only defeats coming at the hands of finalists Nigeria and eventual champions Rwanda.
Devnarain highlighted the team’s overall showing, pointing to both growth and areas of improvement.
“Finishing third is not where we ultimately want to be, but it forms an important part of our journey. There were moments where we showed the identity of how we want to play, but we weren’t consistent enough across key phases of the game.
“We are also aware that we were competing against teams like Rwanda and Nigeria, who spend a lot more time together, and are senior women’s sides. Having said that, we had two very strong contests against them where we fell just short, which shows we are not far off.”
The coach also added that the semi-final defeat, where South Africa lost by seven wickets, was a key learning moment for the group.
“What was disappointing for us was that our worst performance came in the semi-final, which is a key moment in the tournament. That’s an area we need to reflect on and how we show up in must-win situations.”
“One of the biggest positives for me was the behavioural growth of the group. The girls were consistently placed in uncomfortable situations throughout the tournament, and what was really encouraging was that they continued to show up and compete.”
Van Voorst’s leadership was central to the campaign, with the all-rounder finishing as the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament behind Zimbabwe’s Beloved Biza (238 runs), while also contributing with the ball. There were also notable contributions across the squad, with Ashleigh van Wyk (8 wickets), Siphokuhle Masilela (73 runs) and Daneli Boshoff (80 runs, 6 wickets) playing key roles.
“Mieke has been really good for us, especially from a performance point of view. She led from the front and consistently looked to contribute in key moments. It was also really pleasing to see contributions coming from different players across the group. At this level, it’s important that we don’t rely on one or two individuals, but rather build a team that can collectively step up.”
Looking ahead, Devnarain emphasised the value of the competition in the team’s readiness for the U19 World Cup.
“It was extremely important for us. It gives us a clear picture of where we are as a group and what is required to compete consistently at an international level.”
South Africa u19 Women’s Bruzaan Goosen bowling against Zimbabwe u19 in the Patricia Kambarami Cup in Lagos, Nigeria on 28 March 2026 [PHOTO: Nigeria Cricket Federation on Instagram]LAGOS: Captain Mieke van Voorst once again led from the front with the bat to help the South Africa Under-19s secure a third-place finish in the Patricia Kambarami Cup, following their 70-run victory over Zimbabwe Under-19s in Lagos on Saturday.
South Africa produced an impressive batting display to post 133/5 in their 20 overs, with Van Voorst registering a 45-ball 52, including eight fours. The junior side then successfully defended their total, with Daneli Boshoff (2/8) and Ashleigh van Wyk (2/12) leading the bowling effort.
The SA U19s made a steady start to their innings, with the new opening pair of Jezé Campher (14) and Miya Lalor (9) putting on 21 runs for the first wicket in the opening four overs. However, Zimbabwe struck back in the fifth over as Tadiwa Garutsa (2/24) removed both batters in quick succession, leaving South Africa on 28/2.
The batting side responded positively to the setback, with Siphokuhle Masilela (14) and Van Voorst combining for a valuable 56-run partnership. With Van Voorst anchoring the innings, South Africa progressed to 84/2 by the 14th over before Masilela was dismissed following a run-out.
Unfazed by the loss of her partner, Van Voorst continued to lead from the front and brought up her third half-century of the tournament. She shared another important stand with Boshoff (23), guiding South Africa past the 100-run mark.
Van Voorst was eventually dismissed LBW by Christina Mutasa (2/14) early in the 18th over with the score on 109/4. Boshoff then took charge of the closing stages, adding 19 runs with Ashley Barnard (6) to push the total to a competitive level.
South Africa went on to finish their innings on 133/5, with Mutasa claiming her second wicket after dismissing Barnard in the final over.
In their defence of 134 for victory, the SA U19s struck early with the wicket of Beloved Biza (1) in the second over, courtesy of van Wyk.
South Africa maintained control through disciplined bowling and well-executed fielding plans, restricting Zimbabwe’s scoring opportunities in the early stages. Their pressure was rewarded with a run-out from Kananelo Mokoena, which accounted for Garutsa (10) in the eighth over, leaving Zimbabwe constrained at 32/2 after 10 overs.
Still requiring 102 runs from 60 deliveries, Zimbabwe continued to battle for momentum at the crease. The pressure was compounded as Boshoff and Ashley Barnard (1/11) struck to remove Lorraine Pemhiwa (6) and Christina Mutasa (0), leaving the batting side on 52/4 at the end of the 15th over.
Zimbabwe then suffered another double setback in the following over, with Bethel Zinyama (5) dismissed by Kananelo Mokoena (1/5), while Nicolette Nyika (18) was run out, further denting their chase.
South Africa wrapped up the innings with two further wickets, as Salem Museka (3) and Buhlebenkosi Maposa (4) fell to Van Wyk and Boshoff respectively, restricting Zimbabwe to 63/8 and sealing a 70-run victory to secure third place in the Patricia Kambarami Cup.
Wicketkeeper Jae-Leigh Filander and captain Mieke van Voorst awaits the deliver – South Africa u19 Women vs Nigeria in the semi-final of the Patricia Kambarami Cup in Lagos, 27 March 2026 [PHOTO: Nigeria Cricket Federation on Instagram]LAGOS: South Africa under-19 Women experienced a seven-wicket defeat to Nigeria in the second semi-final of the Patricia Kambarami Cup at the TBS Cricket Oval in Lagos on Friday. The hosts will now face Rwanda in Saturday’s final.
Lillian Ude led the charge with the ball, returning figures of three for six as Nigeria dismissed the SA U19s for 66 in 17 overs. The YellowGreens then chased down the target comfortably, reaching 67/3 in 9.5 overs to secure their place in the final.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, South Africa endured a difficult start as Ude, Peace Usen (2/18) and a run-out combined to remove the top order. The visitors were reduced to 6/5 inside four overs in an early collapse.
The SA U19s managed to recover to 33/5 by the ninth over, thanks to a 27-run partnership between Ashley Barnard (15) and wicketkeeper-batter Jae-Leigh Filander (13).
That stand was ended by Anointed Akhigbe (1/19), who accounted for Barnard. Further contributions from Daneli Boshoff (16) and Ashleigh van Wyk (12)* helped South Africa edge past the 50-run mark, but regular wickets continued to stall their progress.
With Nigeria in control, Ude, Shola Adekunle (1/7) and captain Lucky Piety (1/1), along with another run-out, wrapped up the innings on 66 all out in the 17th over.
In reply, Nigeria made a confident start through openers Amusa Muheebat (15) and Victory Igbinedion (18), who guided the hosts to 33/0 at the end of the powerplay before spinner Ziya Mohanlall (1/26) made the breakthrough.
A run-out involving Mohanlall then removed Muheebat to leave Nigeria on 40/2 in the eighth over, but the hosts remained firmly in charge of the chase.
Esther Sandy (5) and Piety (18)* steered Nigeria closer to the target, taking the side to within four runs of victory. Although Boshoff (1/4) claimed the wicket of Sandy in the ninth over, it only delayed the outcome.
Nigeria completed the chase soon after to book their place in the final on home soil.
South Africa will face Zimbabwe Under-19 Women in the third-place play-off on Saturday, 28 March, ahead of the final.
South Africa u19 captain Mieke van Voorst with Nigerian captain Lucky Piety at Nigeria Invitational Women’s T20I Tournament, held at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, Lagos on 25 March 2026 (PHOTO: Nigerian Cricket Federation on Instagram)
LAGOS: Nigeria secured a dramatic one-run victory via a Super Over against South Africa under-19 Women in their Patricia Kambarami Cup encounter at the TBS Cricket Oval in Lagos on Wednesday.
Mieke van Voorst starred with a 47-ball 69 (11 fours) as the SA U19s posted 133/7. In response, Nigeria captain Lucky Piety produced an impressive 66* off 35 balls (3 sixes, 9 fours) to help the hosts finish on 133/3, forcing the match into a Super Over.
Nigeria held their nerve in the decider, posting 10/0 before restricting South Africa to 9/1, sealing a narrow victory.
South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first. Nigeria made an early impact, claiming three wickets in the powerplay as Peace Usen (2/16) and Amusa Muheebat (2/17) removed Ashley Barnard (0), Daneli Boshoff (9) and Jezé Campher (1) to leave the SA U19s on 18/3 after six overs.
The junior side responded through their captain, van Voorst, who led the recovery effort. She first shared a brief 15-run stand with Rethabile Nthoba (2) before combining effectively with Jae-Leigh Filander (16) in a 50-run partnership that lifted South Africa from 33/4 to 83/4 in the 15th over. Filander was eventually bowled by Anointed Akhigbe (1/14).
Despite losing her partner, Van Voorst continued to anchor the innings, bringing up her second half-century of the tournament before playing another key role in an important partnership alongside Siphokuhle Masilela (20).
The pair added a further 40 runs for the sixth wicket, taking South Africa past the 100-run mark before van Voorst was dismissed, caught off the bowling of Adekunle Shola, with the score on 123/6.
Masilela was the final wicket to fall, dismissed off the penultimate ball of the innings by Queen Joseph (1/37), as the SA U19s closed on 133/7 in their 20 overs.
Chasing 134 for victory, Nigeria made a cautious start. Openers Muheebat (9) and Christabel Chukwuonye (26) managed 13 runs in the first three overs before Bruzaan Goosen (1/17) struck to remove Muheebat.
South Africa maintained control through disciplined bowling, restricting Chukwuonye and Eguakun Omosigho (18) and limiting scoring opportunities. Nigeria reached 25/1 at the end of the powerplay and 47/1 at the halfway stage before Campher (1/28) broke the 37-run second-wicket stand, with Filander completing a neat stumping.
The momentum shifted with the arrival of Piety, who injected urgency into the chase. Alongside Chukwuonye, she guided Nigeria to 72/2 after 15 overs, leaving 62 runs required from 30 deliveries.
Seizing control of the contest, Piety launched an aggressive attack against the South African bowlers. The right-hander struck three sixes and a four in the 16th over, taking 24 runs off Campher, before adding another 12 runs in the 17th over. She raced to a half-century off just 26 balls, propelling Nigeria to 118/2 after 18 overs.
With 11 runs needed from the final over, and after Chukwuonye had retired out, Ashleigh van Wyk (0/32) produced a composed over, conceding just 10 runs to level the scores and force a Super Over.
In the one-over eliminator, Piety (5)* and Salome Sunday (4)* combined to post 10/0. South Africa’s reply fell just short as Muheebat (1/9) dismissed Van Voorst (4) and restricted the visitors to 9/1, sealing victory for Nigeria.
The two sides will meet again in the second semi-final on Saturday, 27 March, after finishing second and third in the league standings, respectively.
Ashleigh van Wyk bowling for South Africa u19 vs Zimbabwe u19 at the Nigeria Invitational Women’s T20I Tournament, held at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, Lagos on 24 March 2026 (PHOTO: Nigerian Cricket Federation on Instagram)
LAGOS: South Africa Under-19 Women returned to winning ways in the Patricia Kambarami Cup with a 28-run victory over Zimbabwe Under-19 Women at the TBS Cricket Oval in Lagos on Tuesday.
Ashley Barnard led the way with a fluent 29-ball 40 (6 fours) at the top of the order to help South Africa post 145/7 in their 20 overs, before Zimbabwe were restricted to 117/8, with spinner Ashleigh van Wyk producing impressive figures of three for 18.
The SA U19s won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision that paid off from the onset as openers Barnard and Chanel (16) helped their side to a running start with a 55-run stand in five overs.
Despite being put under pressure early on, Zimbabwe fought back through Beloved Biza (1/17), Salem Museka (2/26) and Tadiwa Garutsa (2/16), who combined for six wickets in quick succession, along with a run out of the in-form Miele van Voorst (2), to reduce South Africa from 55/0 to 87/6 by the 12th over.
The South African innings was revived by a valuable 39-run partnership for the seventh wicket between all-rounders Miya Lalor (25)* and Daneli Boshoff (25), which lifted the side to 126/6 in the 18th over before Boshoff was dismissed through a run out.
Lalor was then joined by Van Wyk (8)*, and the pair added a further 19 runs to steer the SA U19s to a competitive 145/7.
In reply, Zimbabwe struggled to find momentum early on as Van Wyk struck twice in the powerplay to remove openers Nicolette Nyika (0) and Garutsa (4).
After slipping to 16/2 in the fourth over, Zimbabwe recovered through Lorraine Pemhiwa (18) and Christina Mutasa (35), whose 40-run stand helped their side reach 56/2 at the halfway stage before Pemhiwa was trapped lbw by Boshoff (1/10).
Although Zimbabwe added a further 31 runs for the fourth wicket through Biza (34) and Mutasa, South Africa continued to strike at key moments to halt the chase.
Barnard (1/18), Ziya Mohanlall (1/20), Kananelo Mokoena (2/15) and Van Wyk all made important breakthroughs as the SA U19s sealed the win to remain third on the standings with four points from three matches.
South Africa will complete their round-robin campaign on Wednesday, 25 March when they face Nigeria ahead of the knockout phase.
South Africa u19 captain Mieke van Voorst with Rwandan captain Marie Bimenyimana at the Nigeria Invitational Women’s T20I Tournament, held at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, Lagos on 22 March 2026 (PHOTO: Nigerian Cricket Federation on Instagram)
LAGOS: Rwanda claimed a thrilling one-run victory over the South Africa Under-19 Women in their rain-affected encounter at the Patricia Kambarami Cup in Lagos on Sunday.
Clarisse Umutoniwase top-scored for Rwanda with 26 off 21 balls, while Fanny Utagushimaninde added 24 to help their side post 101/7 in 14 overs. South Africa then fell agonisingly short in the chase despite a fighting 34 from captain Mieke van Voorst.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Rwanda lost two early wickets in the powerplay, with Ashleigh van Wyk (2/22) and Miya Lalor (2/25) making the initial breakthroughs to leave the opposition on 17/2 in the third over. A crucial partnership between Utagushimaninde and Umutoniwase then helped Rwanda recover.
The pair added 30 runs for the third wicket to move Rwanda to 47/2 before Daneli Boshoff (2/19) claimed two wickets, while Jezé Campher (1/10) and Van Wyk also struck to reduce the Rwandans to 81/6 in the closing stages of the innings.
An important late contribution from Shakira Muhoza (13) and Alice Ikuzwe (6), worth 19 runs, helped Rwanda reach the 100-run mark. The side in blue eventually closed on 101/7, with Muhoza becoming Lalor’s second wicket of the match.
In reply, South Africa made a measured start through openers Ashley Barnard (21) and Boshoff (7), reaching 29/0 after four overs before Boshoff was stumped off the bowling of Ikuzwe (2/21).
Despite that breakthrough, the SA U19 Women continued to apply pressure, with Campher (13) and Barnard guiding the South Africans to 45/1 after six overs before Rwanda hit back with two quick wickets.
Diane Bimenyimana (1/16) and Rosine Irera (1/17) then bowled Barnard and Campher respectively, before Van Voorst and Van Wyk (10) combined in a 39-run stand for the fourth wicket to keep South Africa firmly in contention.
With South Africa on 92/3 in the penultimate over, Rwanda held their nerve under pressure. Ikuzwe claimed the key wicket of Van Wyk before Bimenyimana conceded just seven runs in the final over to seal a narrow victory and move Rwanda to the top of the league standings.
The SA U19 Women will be back in action on Tuesday, 24 March, when they face Zimbabwe Under-19 Women at the TBS Cricket Oval.
South Africa u19 vs Ghana at the Nigeria Invitational Women’s T20I Tournament, held at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, Lagos on 21 March 2026 (PHOTO: Nigerian Cricket Federation on Instagram)
LAGOS: South Africa under-19 Women captain Mieke van Voorst stood out with both bat and ball to lead her side to a 99-run triumph over Ghana in their opening match of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) Women’s T20 International (T20I) Invitational in Lagos on Saturday.
This year’s tournament has been named the Patricia Kambarami Cup in honour of the late ICC Africa Regional Development Manager and Titans Chief Operating Officer
Van Voorst stole the show with an impressive 34-ball 55 (6 fours) alongside Siphokuhle Masilela (37) as the SA U19s posted 168/4. The spinning all-rounder then claimed incredible figures of three for one in her two overs to help dismiss Ghana for 69 in 19.3 overs.
South Africa won the toss and elected to bat at the TBS Cricket Oval. Despite losing openers Chanel Venter (8) and Ashley Barnard (8) early in the powerplay to Kate Awuah (2/22) and Earnestina Sagoe (1/26), the junior side recovered from 24/2 through a crucial partnership between Van Voorst and Masilela.
The pair added 84 runs for the third wicket, with van Voorst bringing up her half-century as the SA U19s reached 108/2 after 14 overs.
Although the skipper was eventually dismissed by Awuah for her second wicket of the innings, Masilela combined with Rethabile Nthoba (17*) to keep South Africa’s momentum going. The pair added 22 runs before Rebecca Adotei (1/32) had Masilela caught, leaving the SA U19s on 133/4 with three overs remaining.
Nthoba was then joined by wicketkeeper-batter Jae-Leigh Filander (17*), and the duo added a further 35 runs in the closing stages to steer South Africa to 168/4 in their 20 overs.
In defence of their total, South Africa were equally impressive with the ball. Seamer Bruzaan Goosen (1/18) struck first in the second over, before a brief recovery from Awuah (12) and Rashidatu Salia (12) helped Ghana to 26/1 at the end of the powerplay.
That 23-run stand was ended by a run-out involving Van Voorst and Filander in the seventh over. Salia and Ellen Assante (1) then took Ghana to 43/2 in the 10th over before the South African bowlers sparked a collapse.
Ashleigh van Wyk (1/11), Ziya Mohanlall (2/19) and Van Voorst tore through the middle order, claiming six wickets while conceding just four runs as Ghana slumped to 47/8 in the 14th over.
Kananelo Mokoena (1/9) and Miya Lalor (1/7) wrapped up the innings late on to seal an emphatic victory for the SA U19s.
South Africa will next be in action on Sunday, 22 March, when they face Rwanda at 15:00 SAST in their second round-robin match.
JOHANNESBURG: For many young South Africans, the journey into cricket doesn’t begin on a perfectly manicured pitch or in front of a crowd. It begins with access; to equipment, to safe spaces, and to someone who believes they belong in the game.
