After a frustrating three-Test series, which ended 0-0, the South African U19s reasserted themselves with a 16-run win over the Sri Lankans in the first Youth ODI
There was a dream debut for KES captain Mitchell van Buuren, who took four wickets to help the South Africans defend a total of 185.
The Sri Lankans were rolling along with growing momentum at 77-2 after 18 overs when Van Buuren, winner of the Best All Rounder award at the u17 National Week, first struck.
He removed captain Avishka Fernando for 17, and then took the next three wickets at regular intervals, stopping any partnership from developing. By the end of the 34th over, the Sri Lankans were struggling at 139-6, and the tail folded under the pressure.
Van Buuren ended his 10 overs with 4-38. William Sendin added his 2-22 along with SA captain Wiaan Mulder, showing his versatility once again with 2-32.
The South Africa youngsters can also thank Van Buuren for steadying the ship when they were on a precarious 110-5 after 29 overs. He and Wandile Makwetu put on 21 for the sixth wicket, helped calm nerves, and Van Buuren joined forces with Ethan Bosch to put on 43 for the seventh wicket
Raynard van Tonder (37) and Ricardo Vasconcelos (33) had earlier led the assault with a 52-run stand for the second wicket.
The second ODI will take place at the same venue on Monday.
