by A dominant bowling performance from the England U19 men paved the way for a comfortable five-wicket victory over the South Africa U19 men in the opening Youth ODI in Cape Town.
New-ball duo Harry Moore and James Minto did the damage taking five wickets between them as the hosts were bowled out for just 87.
Opener Ben Mayes then broke the back of the run with 51 from 48 balls while debutant captain Archie Vaughan, who plays his club cricket for Somerset, added 26 as the Young Lions reached their target in 18.3 overs.
Moore and Minto immediately got to work after the hosts elected to bat and settled down to 33 for six.
The tone was set for an impressive display from the Lions on the field when Joe Moores made a neat catch at back point when Adnaan Lagadien lobbed a back shot at Derbyshire right-armer Moore.
Durham left-armer Minto had already had opener Shaylen Pillay caught by wicketkeeper Thomas Rew on his way to the top three innings for 15.
Spinners Taz Ali and Farhan Ali ensured that wickets continued to fall before Worcestershire’s Jack Home – one of three debutants alongside Vaughan and Aaryan Sawant – ended the innings.
At home, Enathi Kitshini was caught at backward point by Moores before curling a direct hit from the non-striker’s end to dismiss Nqobani Mokoena.
Mayes and Vaughan then combined in a 64-run stand for the second wicket to ensure there were no nerves for the Young Lions. Mayes took the starring role, reaching his half-century off 45 balls, and despite a few late wickets, the tourists were still on course for a comfortable victory.
The Lions can win the three-match Youth ODI series on Sunday January 19 when the second match is also played at the Western Province CC in Cape Town.
