Blog

The brilliance of 14-year-old Indian prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi ultimately overshadowed a century from Jason Rowles as India u19 secured victory in the three-match Youth ODI series with a second successive victory over South Africa u19 on Monday.

The eight-wicket win in a rain-affected contest at Willowmoore Park saw the visitors take a winning 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Suryavanshi first captured global attention in 2024 when the Indian Premier League‘s Rajasthan Royals signed him at just 13 years of age. In 2025, he made history by debuting at 14 and, since then, the teenage sensation has continued to shatter records.

On Monday, in Benoni, he broke Rishabh Pant‘s record for the fastest half-century at u19 level, reaching the milestone from just 15 balls to better Pant’s mark by three balls.

Last year, Suryavanshi registered the fastest century at the Youth ODI level, requiring only 52 balls to reach triple figures against England in Worcester.

His innings on Monday lasted only 24 balls, produced 68 runs, and it included an astonishing 10 sixes and just one four. His assault placed India firmly in control while chasing South Africa’s 246, which was built around a superb innings from 17-year-old Jason Rowles.

He batted with authority, facing 113 deliveries for his 114 before being dismissed by India‘s standout bowler on the day, Kishan Kumar, who finished with figures of 4/46. The top-order batsman from the Central Gauteng Lions punished anything short, striking three sixes and seven fours.

However, he received limited support. Only Daniel Bosman (31) and Adnaan Lagadien (25) also made it past 20.

In contrast, Suryavanshi, who captained the visitors, enjoyed solid support. Abhigyan Kundu (48*) and Vedant Trivedi (31*) both contributed unbeaten knocks as India cruised to a Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) revised target of 174 following rain delays. Thanks to Suryavanshi’s fireworks, it took India only 23.3 overs to complete the run chase.

Despite the dominance of the Indian batting line-up, Michael Kruiskamp stood out with the ball for South Africa, claiming the only two wickets to fall, which included bringing an end to Suryavanshi‘s breathtaking blitzkrieg.

Summarised Scorecard:

South Africa u19 245/10 (Jason Rowles 114, Daniel Bosman 31, Adnaan Lagadien 25; Kishan Kumar 4/46, Ramanujam Sukumar Ambrish 2/47); India u19 176/2 (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 68, Abhigyan Kundu 48*, Vedant Trivedi 31*, Aaron George 20; Michael Kruiskamp 2/23). India u19 won by eight wickets (DLS). 

A quick glance through the teams set to contest the Peninsula Cricket Week from Wednesday is eye-opening. These are, mostly, very experienced teams.

They represent many of South Africa’s leading cricket-playing schools, with proven performers at the 1st XI level, and plenty of players with provincial experience within their ranks.

Five Western Cape powerhouses – Bishops, Wynberg, Rondebosch, SACS, and Paul Roos Gimnasium – tackle KwaZulu-Natal‘s Hilton College and St Charles College; Affies, Waterkloof, and Pretoria Boys High, from The Titans; St Stithians, from Central Gauteng; and the North West‘s Potchefstroom Gimnasium.

For more about the sides, the fixtures and the formats, see here.

TEAMS

Affies: JP Botha, AJ Morkel, Vihan Pretorius, Christian Linde, Daniel Murray, Dylan Stander, Jaque Swart, Zian Labuschagne, Nico Loggenberg, Armin Snyman, Carlo Venter, Schalk Coetzee, Dawie Barnard.

Bishops Diocesan College: Ibraheem Taliep, Alex Vintcent, Harry Morgan, Thaafier Japhta, Litha Mbiko, Cameron MacBeth, Michael Kruiskamp, Raa’id Arendse, Matthew Edwards, Waco Bassick, Kyle Stirk, Daniel Perold, Matthew Schultz.

Hilton College: Robert Burman (c), Sean Burman, Daniel Christie, Sechaba Gude, Cameron Hargroves, Sanqe Qangule, Obakeng Motsepa, Barack Munawa, James Peattie, Benoit Rey, Ben Wilson, Luke Wilson, Oyena Zulu.

Paul Roos Gimnasium: Enré van Zyl, Aiden Titus, Roux Joubert, Xander van Niekerk, Marcus Conradie, James Holm, Tian van Niekerk, Jason Raal, Dion Slabber, Seth Muirhead, Noah Appollis, Morné Pauw.

Potchefstroom Gimnasium: Christivan Coetzer, Ulrich Botha, Lukas Kotze, Henré Cronje, Bennet Keet, AJ Coetzer, Jahndré Coetzee, Tlhoni Thabatha, Ruhann Steenkamp, Adriaan van Niekerk, Bernard Judels, Louis van Niekerk, Damian Kruger.

Pretoria Boys High: Ethan Nel, Joshua Hall, Tim Gordon, Dylan Kruger, Justin Basdeo, Louis Kruyshaar, Tshepang Baloyi, Jayden Knott-Craig, Victor Louw, Liam Brooker, Euan Gottfried, Ruan Coetzee.

Rondebosch Boys’ High: Tim Short, Tyler Heyns, Raa’id Davids, Zion van Rensburg, Schalk Fourie, Tom Hoffman, Arin Spiller, Ethan De Heer Kloots, Ethan Strydom, Luca Ghignone, Matthew Brooks, Eli Aufrichtig, Alex du Plessis.

SACS: Aqeel Waggie, Litha Kraai, Abhay Kalan, Ulrich Roth, Benji Tibury, Mickey Watson, Matthew Hill, Tim Hodgkinson, Ronan Meintjies, Benji Blackburn, Reece Engelbrecht, Vaughan van den Berg, Raadhi Dollie.

St Charles College: Thandolwethu Zama, Ryan Clarke, Dylan Leppan, Relebogile Mokoena, Kaiyuran Naidoo, Christiaan Prinsloo, Jayden Saville, Caleb Sharp, Connor Vogt, Matthew Weightman, Owen Widdows, Connor Simpson, Keegan Vermaak.

St Stithians College: Ombesa Matsha, Akhil Challa, Thomas Collins, Nicholas Bayly, Matthew Katzenstein, Matthew Anderson, Didier Le Roux, Tendai Kadyamadare, Zaakir Hanslo, Tajendra Naidu, Mqaba Matunda, Michael Botha.

Waterkloof: AJ de Villiers, Wian du Plessis, Franco Schmidt, Rico van der Walt, Johan Feuth, Liam Breedt, Juan Swart, Rian Klopper, Jean Cloete, Vorster de Villiers, Frank van der Westhuizen, Rivan Booysen, Johan Liebenberg, Christiaan Smit.

Wynberg Boys’ High: Michail Tarentaal, Joshua Prince, Qaeed Shaik, Damien Harris, Fawaaz Hendricks, Nicholas Stafford, Matthew Saunders, Noah du Plooy, Hugo Norambuena, Chad Campbell, Raihan Khan, Matthew Mills, Josh Nicholson.

It’s a new year and, as has become the norm, schools’ cricket festivals begin before learners return to school. One of the most prominent festivals, based on the quality of its line-up, is the Peninsula Cricket Festival, which gets under way on Wednesday, 7 January.

The event features 12 schools competing at both 1st XI and u15A level, with Wynberg Boys’ High, Bishops Diocesan College, Rondebosch Boys’ High, and SACS flying the flag for Cape Town. Another Western Cape team is Stellenbosch’s Paul Roos Gimnasium.

Competition between the southern suburbs rivals is always fierce and the festival, which features two declarations matches, two 50 overs games, and a T20 to finish, is a wonderful opportunity to get a sense of what the stocks of talent in those schools look like for 2026.

Paul Roos, often the backbone of Boland’s provincial teams, will be keen to show they have replenished and reloaded.

KwaZulu-Natal’s interests are represented by Hilton College and St Charles College. They haven’t enjoyed the best of showings at the festival in recent years in the 1st XI matches, including both going winless in 2024, but they picked up some good results in 2025, and an upset victory by The Tuskers over Western Province at the Khaya Majola Week – with a good number of those KZN players returning to school and in action at the Peninsula Cricket Festival – suggests they could make a solid impact.

The Titans supply Hoërskool Waterkloof, Pretoria Boys’ High, and Affies.

Klofies are an interesting side. They play brave cricket, always prepared to go hard at tough targets, and that has brought them some memorable victories in recent years.

Affies has shown an ability to adapt well to the Western Cape conditions and in early 2025 won two out of three matches on their tour there, beating Paul Roos and Wynberg comfortably before going down to Rondebosch.

While Boys’ High’s results in 2024 were middling, they’re there or thereabouts, and it wouldn’t take that much for them to turn narrow losses into hard-fought wins. That’s what makes the change of personnel and the matches early in the year so interesting.

One of the sides to keep an eye on is Potchefstroom Gimnasium. Their cricket programme has gone from strength to strength in recent times. On the last day of 2025’s festival, they came mighty close to downing Rondebosch, who ended the event as the only unbeaten side, going down by only four runs.

The lone Johannesburg school in action will be St Stithians College. Although 2024 wasn’t a great year by their standards, they bring with them a hard-earned and well-deserved reputation as one of the country’s leading cricket-playing schools.

Their biggest challenge, as will be the case for all of the teams travelling from other provinces, will be to adjust to the Western Cape pitches while often facing local teams on their home grounds.

In 2024, in tournaments played in the Western Cape, at the Khaya Majola Week, the bowlers ruled the roost, while in 2025, at the CSA u16 National Week, which was hosted by Boland, the balance also tilted in favour of the bowlers.

Given that four of the five matches will be played over longer formats, a disciplined batting approach will be one of the keys to successes.

FIXTURES

Wednesday, 7 January, Declaration Cricket

1st XI
Wynberg vs Affies, Jacques Kallis Oval (Wynberg)
Bishops vs St Stithians, Frank Reid (Bishops)
Rondebosch vs Hilton, Cricket A (Rondebosch)
SACS vs St Charles, De Villiers (SACS)
Paul Roos vs Waterkloof, PRG Oval (Paul Roos)
Potch Gimnasium vs Pretoria Boys High, Wally Wilson (WPCC)

u15
Wynberg vs Affies, Silverhurst A (Wynberg)
Bishops vs St Stithians, Oaks (Bishops)
Rondebosch vs Hilton, Meadow A (Rondebosch)
SACS vs St Charles, Memorial (SACS)
Paul Roos vs Waterkloof, Markötter (Paul Roos)
Potch Gimnasium vs Pretoria Boys High, GK Oval (WPCC)

Thursday, 8 January, Declaration Cricket

1st XI
Wynberg vs St Charles, Jacques Kallis Oval (Wynberg)
Bishops vs Pretoria Boys High, Frank Reid (Bishops)
Rondebosch vs Waterkloof, Cricket A (Rondebosch)
SACS vs Affies, De Villiers (SACS)
Paul Roos vs St Stithians, PRG Oval (Paul Roos)
Potch Gimnasium vs Hilton, Wally Wilson (WPCC)

u15
Wynberg vs St Charles, Silverhurst (Wynberg)
Bishops vs Pretoria Boys High, Oaks (Bishops)
Rondebosch vs Waterkloof, Meadow A (Rondebosch)
SACS vs Affies, Memorial (SACS)
Paul Roos vs St Stithians, Markötter (Paul Roos)
Potch Gimnasium vs Hilton, GK Oval (WPCC)

Friday, 9 January, 50 Over

1st XI
Wynberg vs Hilton, Jacques Kallis Oval (Wynberg)
Bishops vs Affies, Frank Reid (Bishops)
Rondebosch vs Pretoria Boys High, Cricket A (Rondebosch)
SACS vs St Stithians, De Villiers (SACS)
Paul Roos vs Potch Gimnasium, PRG Oval (Paul Roos)
St Charles vs Waterkloof, Wally Wilson (WPCC)

u15
Wynberg vs Hilton, Silverhurst A (Wynberg)
Bishops vs Affies, Oaks (Bishops)
Rondebosch vs Pretoria Boys High, Meadow A (Rondebosch)
SACS vs St Stithians, Memorial (SACS)
Paul Roos vs Potch Gimnasium, Markötter (Paul Roos)
St Charles vs Waterkloof, GK Oval (WPCC)

Saturday, 10 January, 50 Over

1st XI
Wynberg vs Waterkloof, Jacques Kallis Oval (Wynberg)
Bishops vs Hilton, Frank Reid (Bishops)
Rondebosch vs St Charles, Cricket A (Rondebosch)
SACS vs Pretoria Boys High, De Villiers (SACS)
Paul Roos vs Affies, PRG Oval (PRG)
Potch Gimnasium vs St Stithians, Rondebosch Cricket Club (Rondebosch)

u15
Wynberg vs Waterkloof, Silverhurst (Wynberg)
Bishops vs Hilton, Oaks (Bishops)
Rondebosch vs St Charles, Meadow A (Rondebosch)
SACS vs Pretoria Boys High, Memorial (SACS)
Paul Roos vs Affies, Markötter (PRG)
Potch Gimnasium vs St Stithians, GK Oval (WPCC)

Sunday, 11 January, 20 Over

1st XI
Wynberg vs Potch Gimnasium, Jacques Kallis Oval (Wynberg)
Bishops vs Waterkloof, Frank Reid (Bishops)
Rondebosch vs St Stithians, Cricket A (Rondebosch)
SACS vs Hilton, De Villiers (SACS)
Paul Roos vs Pretoria Boys High, PRG Oval (Paul Roos)
St Charles vs Affies, Rondebosch Cricket Club (Rondebosch)

u15
Wynberg vs Potch Gimnasium, Silverhurst A (Wynberg)
Bishops vs Waterkloof, Oaks (Bishops)
Rondebosch vs St Stithians, Meadow A (Rondebosch)
SACS vs Hilton, Memorial (SACS)
Paul Roos vs Pretoria Boys High, Markötter (Paul Roos)
St Charles vs Affies, GK Oval (WPCC)

STELLENBOSCH – The Northern Champions‘ tailenders Mohammad Rasool (60) and Xander Venter (52) pulled their team out of trouble on Sunday, the second day of Cricket South Africa‘s (CSA) Cubs Week against the Coastal Conquerors.

The Champions’ target was a mere 179 runs, but when the Conquerors’ pacers Rowen Rajah (2/42) and Dayalan Boyce (2/42) reduced them to 38/4 in the first nine overs, matters looked dire.

Their other fast bowler, Bonga Mapanga (2/29), tightened the screws further by dismissing Vihan Pretorius (15) and Riley Miller (1), leaving the Champions struggling on 46/6 in the 12th over.

However, Rasool and Venter had other plans and, after a brave fight, guided their team to a vital victory. Their partnership for the eighth wicket was worth 105 runs.

Venter also impressed with the ball, claiming the best figures for his team with four wickets for just 36 runs. The Conquerors’ Ben Hockly (89*) recorded his second consecutive half-century but unfortunately ran out of partners before he could raise his bat for a second time in his knock.

The Southern Superstars’ tailenders Michail Tarentaal (62*) and Unathi Magoloza (40*) were also their team’s heroes in a three-wicket win over the Central Gladiators on Maties’ C Field.

This means only two teams remain unbeaten remain after the first two days of matches, with the Champions and Superstars setting the pace.

Tarentaal and Magoloza joined forces after their team lost its seventh wicket on 161 runs – still 102 runs short of victory. Their unbeaten 104-run partnership for the eighth wicket will be talked about for a long time.

The Gladiators’ openers, Bafana Mthunzi (71) and Nkosana Sibiya (43), laid a solid foundation with a 120-run stand. Added to that were solid contributions from Kamogelo Phiri (40) and Troy Gordon (36), which helped the Gladiators post a strong total of 262 runs.

Daniel Cooke (4/23), the Superstars’ fast bowler, wrapped up the tail of the losing side.

The best performance of the day, however, belonged to leg spinner Olefa Padi of the Western Legends. He dismissed six Eastern Warriors’ batsmen for only 36 runs.

When the Warriors’ last wicket, Samuel Scheckter (51), fell at 194 runs, it was just two runs short of denying the Legends a bonus point. That wicket, taken by Otto Krause (2/27), could yet prove to be golden for the team.

Summarised Scorecards:

Western Legends 246/8 (Olebogeng Scott 58, Faizaan Kajee 46, FG Botha 38, Aiden Dodd 28, Naudé Botha 23; Sulaymaan Gangat 3/29, Rhys Wiblin 2/51); Eastern Warriors 194 (Samuel Scheckter 51, William Beamish 50, Rhys Wiblin 29; Olefa Padi 6/36, Otto Krause 2/27). Western Legends won by 52 runs.

Coastal Conquerors 178 (Ben Hockly 89*, Seth Simpson 21; Xander Venter 4/36, Vihan Pretorius 2/14, Nico Loggenberg 2/47); Northern Champions 179/8 (Mohammad Rasool 60*, Xander Venter 52; Bonga Mapanga 2/29, Rowen Rajah 2/42, Dayalan Boyce 2/42). Northern Champions won by two wickets.

Central Gladiators 262 (Bafana Mthunzi 71, Nkosana Sibiya 43, Kamogelo Phiri 40, Troy Gordon 36; Daniel Cooke 4/23, Timothy Short 2/31, Francois Prins 2/39); Southern Superstars 265/7 (Michail Tarentaal 62*, Unathi Magoloza 40*, Francois Prins 42, Sibahle Sigabi 33, Inam Bula 30, Extras 27, Luca Plekker 22; Morteza Manack 2/43). Southern Superstars won by three wickets.

The third edition of Hoërskool Fichardtpark‘s Kovsie Smash, in Bloemfontein, will feature two highly anticipated new entrants.

Hoërskool Eldoraigne, a consistent contender in the top leagues within the Titans‘ structures, and Potchefstroom Volkskool, one of North West‘s leading producers of talent, will both be in action in the City of Roses.

The tournament will feature 19 teams in competition across five days.

The side from Potchefstroom is likely a stayers’ outfit as another Volkies‘ team will be in action at the Grey Cricket Fest in Gqeberha. They will, nonetheless, be a strong team that highlights the depth of talent in the North West.

Adding further intrigue to an already exciting week of cricket is the round one showdown between Eldos and Potch Volkskool, who meet on Monday morning.

The tournament features three Bloemfontein schools: Hoërskool Fichardtpark, Jim Fouché, and Hoërskool Sentraal.

Hoërskool Wesvalia, the winner of the tournament’s first two editions will not be back to challenge for a hat-trick of titles.

The 2025 finalists, Hoërskool Kalahari, from Kuruman, is expected to be a strong contender again. They begin their campaign against Goudveld at Grey College‘s  Tommix Oval.

Hoërskool Lichtenburg, another new entrant, will face Hoërskool Sasolburg on Monday morning, while Oos-Moot and Transvalia go head-to-head on the University of the Free State‘s (UFS) Oval in a match-up that promises early fireworks.

As the name of the tournament suggests, Kovsies (UFS) host the week, along with Hoërskool Fichardtpark, Hoërskool Sentraal, and Grey College.

Limpopo’s Merensky Landbou Akademie sits out the opening round. The Plasies, the northernmost visitors to Bloemfontein, will make an eight-hour journey from Tzaneen and face Jim Fouché in their opening fixture at 14:00 on Monday.

Day three, often referred to as “moving day”, will be highlighted by a meeting between Volkies and Kalahari, while Hoërskool Pietersburg and the Liggies (Hoërskool Lichtenburg) lock horns in the same session.

Matches on Monday and Tuesday will begin at 09:00 and 14:00, while Wednesday will feature only one full round, with most sides enjoying a break in the afternoon.

Thursday’s opening session will see the contenders in quarterfinals’ action, which will be followed by the semi-finals in the afternoon.

The final takes place on the Kovsies’ Oval at 09:00 on Friday morning.

FIXTURES (for the first three days)

Monday – 5 January – Session 1 (09:00)

Oos-Moot vs Transvalia – UFS 1
Jim Fouché vs Witteberg – UFS 2
Trio vs Overvaal – UFS 3
Driehoek vs Voortrekker – UFS 4
Potch Volkskool vs Eldoraigne – UFS Oval
Fichardtpark vs Duineveld – Fichardtpark Oval
Sasolburg vs Lichtenburg – Casa, Grey College
Goudveld vs Kalahari – Tommix, Grey College

Session 2 (14:00)

Wittebrg vs Transvalia – UFS 1
Jim Fouché vs Merensky – UFS 2
Goudveld vs Overvaal – UFS 3
Driehoek vs Potcefstroom Volkskool – UFS 4
Sentraal vs Eldoraigne – UFS Oval
Duineveld vs Lichtenburg – Fichardtpark Oval
Hoërskool Sasolburg vs Pietersburg – Casa, Grey College
Kalahari vs Trio – Tommix, Grey College

Tuesday – 6 January – Session 1 (09:00) 

Kalahari vs Overvaal – UFS 1
Potcefstroom Volkskool vs Voortrekker – UFS 2
Goudveld vs Trio – UFS 3
Driehoek vs Sentraal – UFS 4
Lichtenburg vs Fichardtpark – UFS Oval
Pietersburg vs Duineveld – Fichardtpark Oval
Merensky vs Transvalia – Casa, Grey College
Witteberg vs Oos-Moot – Tommix, Grey College

Session 2 (14:00) 

Potchefstroom Volskool vs Sentraal – UFS 2
Eldoraigne vs Voortrekker – UFS 4
Pietersburg vs Fichardtpark – UFS Oval
Hoërskool Sasolburg vs Duineveld – Fichardtpark Oval
Jim Fouché vs Transvalia – Casa, Grey College
Merensky vs Oos-Moot – Tommix, Grey College

Wednesday – 7 January – Session 1 (09:00) 

Voortrekker vs Sentraal – UFS 1
Driehoek vs Eldoraigne – UFS 2
Jim Fouché vs Oos-Moot – UFS 3
Merensky vs Witteberg – UFS 4
Kalahari vs Potchefstroom Volkskool – UFS Oval
Hoërskool Sasolburg vs Fichardtpark – Fichardtpark Oval
Pietersburg vs Lichtenburg – Casa, Grey College
Trio vs Transvalia – Tommix, Grey College
Duineveld vs Goudveld – GCB Oval, Grey College

The HJS Krieketfees, or Paarl Boys’ High Cricket Festival, is one of the biggest festivals in South African schoolboy cricket.

In 2026, 54 teams across 29 schools will be in action from Tuesday, 6 January to Friday, 9 January.

In the u19 age group, there will be 15 fixtures per day, with 30 teams participating in that age demographic.

As is often the case, some teams who were part of last year’s festival have departed, while some newcomers enter the fray. This year, the newbies include St John’s College (Harare), Napso Namibia, Oakdale Landbou, and the Paarl Boys’ XI.

On day one, the games will follow a declaration format, which allows for a maximum of 120 overs to be played on the day, with both sides having one innings each to bat.

Days two and three will be played in the 50-over format, while day four will be divided between 50-over and 20-over formats.

The Teams (u19)

Boland Landbou: Francois Prins, Kobus Conradie, Louis du Plessis, Matthew Geldenhuys, Gideon Kotzé, Gunther Schmidt, Divan Meyer, Phillip Louw, Caleb Seroot, Juan Visagie, Troy Davis, Johannes Goosen, Diwan Schoeman.

Centurion Secondary: Leon Gunter, Meyer Gunter, Morné Prinsloo, Morné Venter, Tyler Broodryk, Carlo Kotze, Eben Kotzee, Aden Schadle, Johann Boshoff, Kyle Fourie, Christiaan Pietersen, Dillon Guthrie, Ewald Calitz.

Cornwall Hill College: Connor Alexander, Kirill Broughton, Zander Davel, Rourke de Lange, Ethan Feris-Philander, Trent Hardie, Tumisho Lekaote, Neoentle Makwela, Obakeng Mokonyane, Mohale Pitso, Oliver Richards, Daneel Swanepoel, Keagan van Wyk.

Curro Durbanville: Alex van der Westhuizen, Reece Bald, Ryan Lategan, Daniel Myburgh, Jean Paul Smith, Janré Lourens, Joshua van der Merwe, Landseer Collen, Liam Store, Tyler Jones, Christiaan Vorster, Ryan Heusmann, Dylan Herman.

Grey High: James Bonnage, Sam du Preez, Ryan Swarbrick, Sanjay Sivakumar, Nathan Trytsman, Stephan Trytsman, Reece Bailes, Trent Barnardo, Cullen Nortier, Daniel Ballack, Jayden Rohroff, Jaytin Nefdt, Cameron Pretorius.

Helpmekaar College: John Butner, Keanu du Plooy, Dawid Fourie, Ewald Haasbroek, Xander Jackson, Zuan Joubert, Sebastian Kloek, Heinrich Minnaar, Rudolph Odendaal, Dominic Tait, Stefan Trumpelman, Stian van den Berg, Keegan van Schoor, Frederick Zeelie.

Hoërskool Bellville: Xander Lategan, Johan Bergh, Rheeder Heath, Stiaan Maritz, Jay-C Dikella, Ruben Botha, Aldo Botha, Edmund Klue, Lehano van der Westhuyzen, Kian Joubert, Krige van Jaarsveld, Darius de Goede.

Hoërskool Diamantveld: Cobus Fourie, Ruben Viljoen, Neil Steynberg, Arno Mostert, Hanru Rademeyer, Francois Holtzhausen, Janno du Plessis, Rulo van der Merwe, Michael Nieuwoudt, Francois Hattingh, Juandré van Staden.

Hoërskool Dr. E.G. Jansen: Henri Juan Coetzee, Deacann Pagel, Brenton Francis, Jayden Barnes, Ernst de Beer, Gunther Hofmann, Jaco Engelbrecht, Juan Ungerer, André Pretorius, Stian Ungerer, Nailin Carter, Jayden Fortuin, Tristan van Wyk.

Hoërskool Durbanville: Juan van Coller, Danté Mouton, Liam Kirsten, Jan-Oscar van Tonder, Johan Potgieter, Braam Smit, Farrel-Leigh Dido, Ruben La Grange, Jeandré Janse van Rensburg, Erich Vermeulen, Van As van As, Andreas Smit, Antoine Smit.

Hoërskool Garsfontein: Wikus du Preez, Joshua de Villiers, Riaan Boshoff, Righard Joubert, Arrie Verster, Ruan Cuyler, Aljzandro Potgieter, Willem Louw, Katlego Lebelo, Reinhard Niebuhr, Nathan Ferreria, Ruan Coetsee.

Hoërskool Hans Moore: Keanan Serfontein, Aiden Shaw, Gert Greyling, Isaac Aube, Stephan Vermaak, Sohil Jugnath, Xavier van Biljon, Joshua Venter, Kearan Weyers, Jake Bevolo, Kyle Wratten, Duan Maree, Nathan King.

Hoërskool Marais Viljoen: Ethan van Rooyen, Jadon Pretorius, Daymian Coetzee, Riyaan Marques, Trent Shrives, Jared Mentz, Rieshaeel Hashim, Zaim Hashim, Hendré Cilliers, Jacques Ferreira, Marco Hoffman, Stiaan Janse van Vuuren.

Hoërskool Marais Viljoen XI: Aron Ambachtsheer, Ruan van der Merwe, Evann Myburgh, Tameem Ismail, Ovaya Jonas, Luan Ackermann, RJ de Beer, Warrick Hood, Phathu Ndou, Yerushen Chellan, Matthew Bothma.

Hoërskool Montana: Marco Rudolph, Juan Theunissen, Du Preez Prinsloo, Markus Espag, Woudter Kotze, Jovhanne Conradie, Liam Vorster, Adriaan Nel, Leejan van Jaarsveld, Reinhardt Swart, Dewet du Toit, Durandt Stassen.

Hoërskool Noordheuwel: Dian Taljaard, Tristan Helmand, Steph Jooste, Tidi Moeketsane, Jayden Zoutendyk, Kian Liebenberg, JD Bezuidenhout, Gerhard Roolvink, Wander Roolvink, Liam Roets, Hanru Begemann, Drew Phillips.

Hoërskool Outeniqua: Daniel du Plessis, Nathan Best, Hanno Swart, Idan Balzun, Dehan Meyer, Johalin Oosthuizen, Wernich Cassell, Matthew Coleman, Liam Haasbroek, Devon van der Heever, Daniel du Preez, Ross Taljaard.

Hoërskool Waterkloof: Adriaan du Plessis, Juan du Preez, Justin Pretorius, Luan van Wyk, Herschelle van Loggerenberg, Johan Ernst, Mieder Erasmus, Wihan Rademan, Chris Klopper, JJ Thom, Ruan de Meyer, Heinrich Tolmie, Anru Nel.

HTS Drostdy: Bryan Cochrane, Christopher du Toit, Alex Matthee, Karel Hugo, M-Jay van Reenan, Adriaan Krynauw, Jannes Krynauw, Willem Louwrens, DJ Luck, Albert Nel, Ruan Nortjie, Stephan Steyn.

Napso Namibia: Malan Morkel, Malan Esterhuyzen, Emile Kuhn, Henré Opperman, Christof van der Merwe, Jandré de Jager, Abri Oberholzer, Tiaan van der Westhuizen, Christiaan Kriel, Janco Schlechter, Drikus Swart, Damian Kotze, Ethan du Toit.

Northcliff High: Rouxwan Coetzer, Caleb Henenne, Gareth Hunkin, Jack Woolard, Mabtho Mbambo, Tristan Stanley, Zach Soares, Oliver Vermaak, Mahomed Bux, Ntokozo Tshabalala, Jordan Venter, Regan van der Walt, Charl Erasmus.

Oakdale Landbou: Marty Kortje, André Gouws, Harri Venter, Rico Ferreira, Schalk van der Merwe, Stian Pfaff, Jaco Bouwer, Charlie Terblanche, Albert Myburgh, Barry Durr, Ian Saayman, Ruben Ludik.

Paarl Boys’ High: Neil Louw, AB Jacobs, Daniel Francke, Ruan Heyns, Tom Krige, JP Immelmann, Aden Batt, Reese Peterson, Charl du Toit, Ullrich Drotschie, Ra-eez Isaacs, Ed-Lee Koopman, Ra’ed Fredericks.

Paarl Boys’ XI: Christo Muller, Willem Nolte, William Eaton, Dylan da Silva, Jean de Villiers, Christiaan van den Heever, Keanu February, Da-Niell Willemse, Andreas Dippenaar, Divan Fourie, Schalk van der Merwe, Zavier Swartz, Latham Domoney.

Paarl Gimnasium: Matt Dippenaar, Wian Munnik, Louis Koen, Waldus de Jager, Dirk Hugo, Beon Swanepoel, Derrick Groenewald, De Waal Vivier, Paul Schoeman, Werner Steyn, Gian van Eeden, Daniel Carstens.

Parel Vallei: Ben Traut, Luke Engelbrecht, Chris Hughes, Divan Sander, Paul Kruger, Matthew Vermeulen, Ruben du Plessis, Daniel Adonis, Johnathan Roos, Daniel Dreyer, Dirk van Zyl, Rayyan Wally, Daniel Leisegang, Imtiaz Olivier.

Somerset College: Owethu Moyi, Inam Buhla, Mark Pyle, Oliver Prothero, Buhle Mfunelwa, David de Klerk, Ave Nikatine, Mila Silamsi, Troy Varie, Johann Rauch, Micqal Mentoor, Daniel Kaplan, Finn Rankin, Samarth Sreedhar, William McIntosh.

St. John’s College (Harare): Riley Ettlin, Brendan Kalonga, Hayden Croxford, Luca Spagnuolo, Jetas Sai Maramreddy, Shivaan Chouhan, Hayden Saunders, Shaylen Parmar, Ross Gibbons, Noah Mitchell, Fergus Dorward, Sean Riley, Sean Price.

Stellenberg High: Roux Wasserman, Aidan Pienaar, Francois Hugo, Wilhelm Smet, JJ Rothman, Jan Jak Alberts, Michael Amoêdo, Gerrad Kamalie, Liam Fourie, Tede September, Joshua van Wyk, John Naude, Ethan Vermeulen.

Westville Boys’ High: Kyle McGough, Tristin Delvin, Aidan Baudach, Aarin Rasmussen, Ashton Kidgell, Lwandle Bulose, Ewan du Toit, Misbah Nair, Liam de Villiers, Jamie Hasselbach, Luca Roddan, Jay-Reece Madatt, Kai Cotton.

A 137-run partnership between Harvansh Pangalia and RS Ambrish guided India u19 to a 25-run Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) victory over South Africa u19 in the first Youth ODI at Willowmoore Park, in Benoni, on Saturday.

With the win, the visitor took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Overcast conditions and the threat of rain prompted South Africa to opt to bowl first, a decision that initially paid dividends.

The home side’s new-ball pairing – JJ Basson, of Hoërskool Noordheuwel, and Bayanda Majola, of Durban High School – both struck inside the powerplay, leaving India in early trouble at 34/2 in the sixth over.

However, Pangalia and Ambrish demonstrated the ebb and flow of 50-over cricket with a match-defining partnership that steadied the Indian innings. Pangalia played the dominant role but fell agonisingly short of a century, striking seven fours and two sixes in his 93 from 95 deliveries. Ambrish provided solid support by compiling 65 from 79 balls.

For the hosts, Basson was the standout bowler. He claimed three wickets in his second spell to finish with figures of 4/54 from his 10 overs. Two run outs in the final over, one initiated by captain Muhammed Bulbulia, limited India to 301 all out.

A total in excess of 300 at Willowmoore Park is a stern challenge and that was underlined when the hosts lost early wickets.

Opening batsman, Jorich van Schalkwyk, saw three partners depart within the first 10 overs. Deepesh Devendran posed the main threat, returning figures of 2/33. Despite the pressure, however, Van Schalkwyk, clearly comfortable in Benoni’s batting conditions, stood firm.

The South African and international record-holder for the highest individual score in Youth ODIs – he scored 215 against Zimbabwe u19 in July 2025 – looked fluent at the crease – an encouraging sign for the remainder of the series.

He was unbeaten on 60 when inclement weather finally brought proceedings to a halt. Armaan Manack offered valuable support, but his run out for 46, shortly before the interruption, contributed to South Africa finishing 25 runs short of the DLS target.

Summarised scorecard

India u19 301 (Harvansh Pangalia 93, RS Ambrish 65, Kanishk Chouhan 32, Khilan Patel 26, Vedant Trivedi 21, Abhigyan Kundu 21; JJ Basson 4/54); South Africa u19 148/4 (Jorich van Schalkwyk 60*, Armaan Manack 46; Depeesh Devendran 2/33). India u19 won by 25 runs (DLS).

STELLENBOSCH – Coastal Conquerors‘ fast bowler Rowen Rajah (4/42) spearheaded his team’s victory over the Central Gladiators during the opening match of Cricket South Africa‘s annual Cubs Week at the Coetzenburg Oval on Saturday.

Rajah struck early in the second over, dismissing Nkosana Sibiya (2) and Troy Gordon (0). He later removed Morteza Manack (1) and Kamogelo Phiri (3), leaving the Gladiators reeling at 22/4.

The Gladiators’ versatile Wade McQuinn (65) and opener Ombesa Matsha (62) steadied the innings with half-centuries, helping the team to reach a respectable total of 232/7 in their 50 overs.

The Conquerors’ Ben Hockly (65) and Semal Pillay (51) laid a solid foundation with a 114-run partnership for the second wicket. Hockly eventually fell to an excellent slip catch by Tahseen Hanslo off Manack’s bowling (2/39).

Riley Miller (86*) continued his fine batting form, guiding the Northern Champions to a five-wicket win over the Eastern Warriors on Maties’ C Field with his unbeaten knock.

Miller was among the top scorers at last year’s Khaya Majola Week in Bloemfontein. He and Kamogelo Matlala (28) shared a 95-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Matlala fell just before the end, caught by Lisekho Zinyane off Rhys Wiblin (1/4).

Titans‘ strike bowler Xander Venter (3/14) and leg spin bowler Jalen Mannikam (3/48) inflicted the most damage to restrict the Warriors to 172. Venter dismissed Jordan Damons (5) and Zinyane (0) with consecutive deliveries to wrap up the innings.

The home team, the Southern Superstars, kicked off their title bid with an 85-run win over the Western Legends.

They posted 270/9 in their 50 overs thanks to a half-century from Francois Prins (77) and valuable contributions from Qaeed Shaik (33), Gideon du Toit (28), Unathi Magaloza (27), Michail Tarentaal (21), Luca Plekker (20), and Waco Bassick (20).

The Legends’ batting faltered apart from an 88-run second-wicket stand between Aiden Dodd (60) and Eduard Dreyer (25), who fell in consecutive overs.

Luca Plekker starred with the ball, capturing four wickets for just 41 runs, while Waco Bassick (3/20) also caused havoc. Bassick claimed the last two wickets – Carl Fryer (5) and Olefa Pedi (0)—with consecutive deliveries.

Summarised Scorecards:

Central Gladiators 232/7 (Wade McQuinn 65, Ombesa Matsha 62, Alec Loveland 38*, Tahseen Hanslo 32; Rowen Rajah 4/42); Coastal Conquerors 233/8 (Ben Hockly 65, Joshua van Biljon 56, Semal Pillay 51, Extras 20; Tahseen Hanslo 3/39, Morteza Manack 2/39, Munib Ayob 2/41). Coastal Conquerors won by two wickets.

Southern Superstars 270/9 (Francois Prins 77, Extras 34, Qaeed Shaik 33, Gideon du Toit 28, Unathi Magaloza 27, Michail Tarentaal 21, Luca Plekker 20, Waco Bassick 20; Otto Krause 3/42); Western Legends 185 (Aiden Dodd 60, Eduard Dreyer 25; Luca Plekker 4/41, Waco Bassick 3/20, Taywin Adams 2/29). Southern Superstars won by 85 runs.

Eastern Warriors 172 (Samuel Scheckter 39*, Randy Syce 35, Dawid Vermaak 27, Ingathi Mafanga 20; Xander Venter 3/14, Jalen Mannikam 3/48); Northern Champions 175/5 (Riley Miller 86*, Kamogelo Matlala 28, Moeketsi Beya 24; Rhys Wiblin 1/4). Northern Champions won by five wickets.

The third annual Kovsie Smash, hosted by Hoërskool Fichardtpark in Bloemfontein, will, alongside the Cubs Week in Stellenbosch, be the first official schools’ cricket week to usher in the new year.

This year’s edition will see 19 teams competing for the title previously held by Hoërskool Wesvalia of Klerksdorp.

The tournament will begin on Monday, 5 January and conclude on Friday, 9 January, with a new champion set to be crowned at the end of the week.

Defending champions Wesvalia will not be in attendance this year. However, Hoërskool Kalahari from Kuruman, strong contenders and finalists at the 2025 edition, will return and are expected to feature prominently once again.

Two new entrants will add further intrigue to the competition. Hoërskool Eldoraigne, a heavyweight from the Titans region in Pretoria, and Potchefstroom Volkskool, led by Christiaan Verster, will both join the action across the City of Roses in 2026.

Groups:

Group A: Jim Fouché, Transvalia, Witteberg, Oos-Moot, Merenky.
Group B: Fichardtpark, Lightenburg, Hoërskool Sasolburg, Duineveld, Pietersburg.
Group C: Sentraal, Eldoraigne, Voortrekker, Driehoek, Potchefstroom Volkskool.
Group D: Goudveld, Trio, Overvaal, Kalahari.

The Teams:

Voortrekker: Vlag Janse van Rensburg, Paul Naudé, Thys Parsons, Teboho Matsoso, Thato Nthebere, Jayden Strydom, Abi Tshonti, Jordan Buitendag, Ruan Heunis, Janno Olivier, Andries Rautenbach, Fourie Scheepers, Vuyo Maqhubu.

Hoërskool Driehoek: Divan Dreyer, Luicius Goosen, Ruan Hattingh, Jaden Heckler, Durandt Lubbe, Drikus Meiring, Louis Pieterse, Chris Snyman, Christiaan Schoeman, Janco Smit, Duan Taljaard, Ian van der Westhuizen, Leonardo Visser.

Duineveld: Wilmar Myburgh, Marnus Myburgh, Kian Naudé, Niekie Smit, Joshua Visagie, Xander Oliver, Xander O’Connell, Duwayne Olivier, Sevreano Lackay, Derick Cloete, Du Preez Faber, André van Niekerk, Pieter Coetzee.

Eldoraigne: Luan Oosthuizen, Vince Lotz, Angus Meyers, Benyael Morkel, Ruan Steyn, Juan du Randt, Rowan McClaren, Logan Early, Matthew Sampson, Niclas Moller, Ruan Boshoff, Heinrich Klue, Juandré Badenhorst.

Fichardtpark: Diederick de Vos, Davyd Oosthuizen, Damian Mulder, Daniël Badenhorst, Heinrich Kemp, Jaden Geldenhuys, Juan Mostert, Neven Olivier, Tristan Beukes, Aiden Britz, Henco Thompson, Christiaan Myburgh, Dillan Geringer, Ziaan van Heerden.

Goudveld: Damian Nieuwenhuis, Delan van Zyl, Christiaan Swart, Edrich du Pessis, Louw Fouché, Zandré Zietsman, Waldo van der Westhuizen, Kamohelo Moloke, Kellan Kleinhans, Juandré Ferreira, Justin Swaine.

Jim Fouché: Niel Wilken, Benco Olivier, Franco de Necker, Cobus Wilken, Jodan Vorster, Ruan Kleyn, André Kleyn, Johan van Dyk, Christiaan Odendaal, Jareth Scott, Jean van Schalkwyk, Neyden Viljoen, Wihan Paulsen, Adriaan Engelbrecht.

Hoërskool Kalahari: Janko Noeth, Carl Thole, Louhan Noeth, Shane Corner, Liam Liang, Myburgh de Klerk, Kopano Mosienyane, Kabeli Pisoyakgosi, Wilrigh Mostert, Warko Smith, Franco Louw, Strauss van Heerden.

Lichtenburg: Johan Duvenhage, Dovhan Wiese, Jurgen Hess, Ruan Botha, Miquel Goncalves, Hanro van den Heever, Juwan van Tonder, Oratile Mmasa, Guilaume Nel, Reinhard Cronje.

Merensky: Schalk Rossouw, Waldo Mouton, Yogi Brahmbatt, Muhammed Khan, Vir Patel, Altus Vorster, Daan Vorster, James Durant, Hanru Venter, Reuben de Beer, Conrad Venter, Wynand Benade.

Oos-Moot: Liam du Preez, Chrisjan van Staden, David White, Marnus Broodryk, Luke Vender, Christo van Heerden, Ian le Roux, Ian Labuschagne, Kevin Liddle, Elmar Theron, Ruben Erasmus, Henco Erasmus.

Overvaal: Zander Olivier, Ethan Kruger, Luann le Roux, Rouche le Roux, Austin Coetzee, Alex Banes Jacobs, Llewellyn Labuschagne, Cemeron van der Westhuizen, Ruwan Pieterse, Vaughn van Vuuren, Janco de Lange.

Pietersburg: Stephan Swanepoel, Hanru Marais, AJ Swanepoel, Willem Viljoen, Hennie Schoeman, Duan van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Boneschans, Jordan du Toti, Alex Thomson, Christiaan van der Merwe, Marinus Boneschans, Rolando Caroto.

Porchefstroom Volkskool: Christiaan Stoop, Christiaan Verster, Nolan Roets, Jacques Oosthuizen, Eizer Behrens, Hanru Combrink, Damian Pretorius, Drikus Calitz, Evan van der Merwe, Benja Calitz, Pierre Joubert, Callum Campbell.

Hoërskool Sasolburg: Liam Singleton, Jan-Hendrik Espach, Joshua Ford, Stephan Roets, Lwanele Khubeka, Nathan Bower, Dean Harris, Adriaan van der Merwe, Henco Roets, Lindo Radebe, Tyron Roux, Tiaan Swarts.

Sentraal: Daniel Pienaar, Juan van der Walt, Erik Prinsloo, Janré Bornman, Jaco Buys, Willem van Staden, Riwan van der Westhuizen, Damian Smith, Danny Botes, Herkie Malan, Reshé Wales, Ruardt Kleunkleynhans, SJ Janse van Noordwyk.

Transvalia: Declan Steinmann, Janco Jacobs, Ashton Cachia, Marco Jacobs, HJ Heyes, Kriegler Botha, Eduann Raubenheimer, Jeandré Barnard, Waldo McLean, Aden Matthee, Divan Knietze, Floris Pretorius, Ethan Stroh, Abrie Botha.

Trio: Zayne Williams, WJ van Niekerk, Myburgh Jacobs, Anthonie Pelser, Henrico van der Merwe, Lwan du Plessis, Pedrie Wilken, Chesline Mogasi, Zothile Zane, Jaden Malherbe, Dylan Young, Robbie van der Vyver.

Wittebrg: Anru Erasmus, Dumesani Johnson, HJ Eksteen, Janco Botha, Kyle Nel, Lwazi Mosea, Mila Oerson, Heiken Venter, Pieter Wessels, Tian Jordaan, WJ Gildenhuys, Xander Fourie.

The South African Schools side powered their way to a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over the SA Colts in a T20 clash at the Mangaung Oval as the Khaya Majola Week concluded in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

In 2024, the SA Colts defeated SA Schools for the first time since 2018. Both of those victories were achieved at Newlands, in Cape Town.

However, the contest in Bloemfontein tilted very firmly in the favour of SA Schools.

The fixture also included former Proteas‘ batsman Stiaan van Zyl, who was one of the two umpires.

The day, though, belonged to Hilton College‘s Ben Hockly and Armaan Manack, of St David’s Marist Inanda. They combined for an unbeaten 134-run partnership as SA Schools chased down a victory target of 149 in just 17.3 overs.

Manack, who was named the Player of the Match, top-scored with an unbeaten 68 from only 51 deliveries. At the other end, Hockly finished unbeaten on 63 from 41 balls. His innings included three towering sixes on the expansive Mangaung Oval.

Hockly will join the University of Pretoria in 2026, as will the Player of the Tournament, Reuben van Zyl. Although he missed out with the bat on Sunday, scoring only eight, Van Zyl, a wicketkeeper/batsman, nonetheless made a valuable contribution by being part of two run outs in the Colts’ innings.

Xavier Coetzee, who was named the Batsman of the Week, was the standout performer for the SA Colts. Continuing his outstanding form from the previous five days, he struck a brisk half-century, making exactly 50 from 34 balls, before becoming the first batsman to be run out.

His exit occurred during a strong spell from Rondebosch Boys’ High‘s Daniel Bosman, who snared 3/23 from his four overs of off spin.

He was well supported by Taywin Adams, of Klein Nederburg, who clamped down on the Colts, capturing 2/13 in four.

The innings had earlier been steadied by a productive 50-run partnership between Coetzee and Westville Boys’ High stalwart Seth Simpson, who made 33, with his only two boundaries both going for six.

Glenwood‘s Bandile Mbatha, a star performer for SA u19 against England at the start of 2025, threatened with the ball for the Colts, claiming 1/10 from two overs, including the key wicket of Van Zyl, who was caught at long-on by Kamogelo Matlala.

Summarised scorecard

SA Colts 148/9 (Xavier Coetzee 50, Seth Simpson 33; Daniel Bosman 3/23, Taywin Adams 2/13); SA Schools 151/2 (Armaan Manack 68*, Ben Hockly 63*; Bandile Mbatha 1/10). SA Schools won by eight wickets.