The emphatic victory handed the Junior Proteas their first win of the tournament, following a disappointing 28-run defeat to Afghanistan in their opening match on Friday.

Tanzania won the toss on Monday and elected to field first – a decision they would soon regret as South Africa piled on the runs.

The Junior Proteas posted an imposing 397/5 in their allotted 50 overs. Jason Rowles led the charge with a superb unbeaten 125, while captain Muhammed Bulbulia weighed in with a classy 108.

Muhammed Bulbulia. Photo: ICC

Rowles struck ten fours and five sixes in his knock, bringing up three figures after having been run out for 98 against Afghanistan. Bulbulia, in turn, hit ten fours and a single six, while batting at a run-a-ball.

There were also valuable contributions from Jorich van Schalkwyk, who scored 47 off 34 balls, and Paul James, who provided late fireworks with a blistering 46 off just 18 deliveries.

For Tanzania, Simba Mbaki was the most successful bowler with 2/85 in seven overs, while Khalidy Juma claimed 1/60 in eight, and Alfred Daniel finished with 1/80 in 10 overs.

In reply, Tanzania were bundled out for just 68 in 32.2 overs. Mbaki top-scored for the East Africans with 17, while wicketkeeper Acrey Hugo scored 12 and Raymond Francis chipped in with 10.

South Africa’s bowlers were ruthless. Bayanda Majola was the pick of the attack with 2/6 in 6.2 overs, while Rowles continued his fine all-round display with 2/14 in seven overs. 

Michael Kruiskamp was superbly economical, returning figures of 1/9 in six overs.

Bayanda Majola. Photo: ICC

Captain Bulbulia was delighted with his team’s performance in the Namibian capital and reserved special praise for Rowles’ all-round brilliance.

“I thought our entire batting innings was a really good effort today,” said Bulbulia.

“The batting group has been in a good space for a while, and a score close to 400 has been coming. It was great to see us put it together as a unit.

The Junior Proteas. Photo: ICC

“Jason is a special character, and he’s been in really good form for a long time. Over the last couple of years, he’s been batting really well, and recently he’s started converting those starts into big scores.

“To have someone who contributes with the bat, the ball, and in the field makes him a lovely player to captain.”

The Junior Proteas return to action on Thursday, when they take on the West Indies. The first ball in Windhoek is scheduled to be bowled at 9:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs