Ireland U19s well beaten in opening South African tour game

Ireland Under-19s made a difficult start to their South African tour as they suffered a comprehensive 101-run defeat against an NWU Invitational XI.

The hosts piled up 317 in their 50 overs before Ireland were bowled out for 216, despite half-centuries from captain Sidharth Biju and Marko Bates.

Ireland actually began well with the ball, William Shields removing Caiden Seleka for a duck in the opening over, but Luca Olivier and Louis Van Wyk steadied the innings with a second-wicket stand of 67.

Van Wyk went on to dominate proceedings, compiling an excellent 111 from 116 balls with 11 fours and two sixes. Cival Rugbar made 29 before Anrich Liebenberg accelerated the scoring with a rapid 40 from just 26 deliveries as the home side moved beyond 300.

Mark Donnelly was Ireland’s most successful bowler, taking four for 56 from his 10 overs, while Shields and Mark Robinson claimed two wickets apiece. However, Ireland conceded 41 extras, including 24 wides and six no-balls, which proved costly.

A target of 318 always looked demanding and the chase quickly ran into trouble. Bobby Brolly and Ted Hasler fell in the fourth over to Ricardo Crous, while Gethin Kelleher’s dismissal left Ireland struggling at 36 for three.

Biju and Bates repaired much of the early damage with a fourth-wicket partnership of 100, but the required rate continued to climb. Bates made 55 from 77 balls before falling to Olivier, while Biju top-scored with 64 from 88 deliveries.

Once Biju departed at 166 for five, Ireland’s challenge faded. Aadil Naizam made 23 and Ruben Sanders finished unbeaten on 22, but the lower order was unable to provide the late surge required.

Crous and Radesh Jhilmeet took three wickets apiece as Ireland were eventually dismissed with four balls remaining.

There were useful individual performances, but Ireland will know they need sharper discipline with the ball and greater batting support as the tour progresses.