South Africa won the toss and elected to bat, but their innings got off to a nightmare start. Australia struck early and often, with Charles Lachmund cleaning up Jorich van Schalkwyk for a duck before Ben Gordon’s sharp pace accounted for Adnaan Lagadien (0) and captain Muhammed Bulbulia (7). The young Proteas were left reeling at 12/3 inside six overs.
Jason Rowles and Armaan Manack (26) steadied the ship with a crucial 86-run partnership, restoring some calm to the innings. The stand was broken when Naden Cooray struck at the end of the 24th over to dismiss Manack.
Rowles continued to anchor South Africa’s recovery and went on to produce a composed 109 from 110 balls, striking six fours and seven sixes, before Aryan Sharma brought his innings to an end. Daniel Bosman and Paul James (46) then added 48 runs to push South Africa past the 200-run mark, before Will Byrom dismissed Bosman (26) to swing momentum back Australia’s way.
From there, Australia tightened the screws, with John James (2/29) leading the charge through the lower order to claim two off the three wickets and wrap up the innings. Eventually, South Africa finished at 255/9 after 50 overs.