The stage is set for an exhilarating encounter as hosts South Africa gear up to face the formidable West Indies in the second match of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup. The clash is scheduled for Friday, January 19, at the renowned Senwes Park in Potchefstroom. This venue, known for its assistance to seam bowlers, is among the five selected for hosting the prestigious tournament.
As both teams prepare for the showdown, their warm-up stages were marred by inclement weather, limiting their on-field preparations. South Africa’s matches against Pakistan and Afghanistan ended with no results due to adverse weather conditions. On the other side, West Indies managed a commanding win over New Zealand in their first warm-up game before rain thwarted their subsequent encounter with Nepal.
The South African team has recently been in the news but not for their cricketing exploits. The squad witnessed a significant leadership change, with David Teeger stepping down from the captaincy in what was described as a decision made in the “best interests of all players.” Teeger’s statement dedicating an award to “the state of Israel and to every single soldier fighting” led to concerns about potential protests, prompting Cricket South Africa (CSA) to relieve him of his duties to avoid any controversy during the World Cup.
The West Indies team, lifting the trophy in 2016, is buoyed by their performance against New Zealand and the motivational talk from cricketing star Kieron Pollard. Like other participating nations, the Caribbean side prides itself on having several standout players ready to make their mark on the tournament.
Senwes Park, one of South Africa’s most seamer-friendly pitches, promises a lively encounter as pacers are known to find extra carry and bounce at this ground. This can pose considerable challenges for batsmen, who will need to exercise caution and refrain from taking undue risks, particularly at the outset of their innings.
The statistical history of Senwes Park indicates a slight advantage for teams chasing, with 23 wins for the side bowling first as opposed to 20 for teams setting a target. The average first innings score at the venue is 234, dwindling to 187 for the second. South Africa holds the record for the highest ODI total at the ground with a formidable 418/5 against Zimbabwe. The same opponent has been at the losing end of the highest successful chase recorded at the venue, with South Africa hunting down 273/2. Namibia’s paltry 45 all out against Australia remains the lowest total registered, while India Women’s defense of 158 against South Africa Women is the smallest total defended successfully at this ground.
The teams, brimming with young talent and dynamic capabilities, are announced as follows:
South Africa U19 Squad: Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Steve Stolk, David Teeger, Richard Seletswane, Oliver Whitehead, Dewan Marais, Romashan Pillay, Juan James (c), Ntando Zuma (wk), Kwena Maphaka, Martin Khumalo, Tristan Luus, Riley Norton, Nqobani Mokoena, Sipho Potsane.
West Indies U19 Squad: Adrian Weir, Stephan Pascal (c/wk), Joshua Dorne, Jordan Johnson, Steve Wedderburn, Jewel Andrew, Isai Thorne, Nathan Edwards, Deshawn James, Reon Edwards, Nathan Sealy, Mavendra Dindyal, Tarrique Edward, Devonie Joseph, Raneico Smith.
With a pitch that promises to assist the seamers and both sides eager to assert their dominance in these challenging conditions, spectators can look forward to a thrilling and competitive fixture between two talented cricketing nations.
