South Africa's U-19 team defeated Zimbabwe by nine wickets (219 balls remaining) in the first Super Six match of the U-19 Cricket World Cup in Potchefstroom on Wednesday.
South Africa have hit a class of their own, having previously struggled to beat their northern neighbors in Junior World Cup tournaments.
But this time it was Juan James' team who completely dominated the contest at JB Marks Oval.
Mapaka's magic
South Africa's left-arm seamer Kwena Mapaka broke through Zimbabwe's top order, taking 6/3 from Zimbabwe within three overs, and the contest started to be a battle.
After some time they were at 16/4 and one wondered if Zimbabwe would reach the 50-run mark.
Nathaniel Hlabangana conceded one point while Mapaka picked up the wickets of Panashe Taluvinga, Brandon Sanglo and Campbell McMillan.
Ronak Patel (32) and Luan Kamwemba (24) got the innings back on track but once they were dismissed, Zimbabwe collapsed and were bowled out for 102 in 29.2 overs.
Mapaka was the South African team's star with the ball, finishing with 5/34 from his 10 overs. Tristan Ruth took 3 wickets for 25 in 7.2 overs.
chase and run
As expected, the run chase was easy for the South Africans, with the top order of Luandre Pretorius and Steve Stoke setting the tone for fast chases, as they have done throughout the tournament.
Stoke was dismissed after hitting 37 off 29 balls, the only wicket to fall in South Africa's innings.
Pretorius finished with 53 off 39 and No. 3 batsman David Tiger was the other not-out batsman with 10. They reached the target in 13.3 overs, another clear sign that the South Africans will continue to play hard and aggressive cricket.
Despite a somewhat rocky start to the World Cup, South Africa are currently well on their way to becoming favorites to win the World Cup.
South Africa's next match in the Super Six stage will be against Sri Lanka at the same venue on Friday.
