RSA-U19 vs ENG-U19 10th Match Prediction

RSA-U19 vs ENG-U19 Team Previews

South Africa U19

South Africa will go into this match on the back of a confidence-boosting victory over West Indies Under-19, who were on course for victory before the home side powered through with the ball. The tournament hosts now have the opportunity to outdo one of the title favourites.

There is some doubt over the availability of all-rounder Juan James for this match. He left the field injured against the West Indies. Whether he will be available this time remains in the balance. James was belatedly named South Africa Under-19 captain shortly before the start of the tournament.

There is going to be a lot more onus on the rest of SA's middle order if James does not play. Oliver Whitehead hit 26 and Dewan Marais 65 in the previous match. David Teeger hit 66. All three were effectively guilty of not converting into bigger innings. Here are there opportunities to do just that.

Bowling-wise, South Africa Under-19 have two big assets in Kwena Maphaka and Riley Norton. They shared eight wickets against the Windies. Maphaka took five and Norton's last spell was effectively the one that won the home side the match. Anticipate a big showing from these two again.

England U19

England Under-19 will head into this match after beating Scotland. A win is a win, but the English were not genuinely tested against the Scots. Against South Africa, though, they're surely in for a big challenge. This is bound to be an interesting and entertaining fixture.

England's spin combination of Farhan Ahmed and Luc Benkenstein could be key again. They each took three wickets against Scotland Under-19 and conditions at Senwes Park in Bloemfontein might play right into their hands again. Benkenstein is the son of former Proteas all-rounder Dale Benkenstein.

Captain Ben McKinney hit 88 not out in the previous match and received good support from fellow opener Jaydn Denly, who collected 40. They are one of the strongest opening pairs at the tournament. Getting one or both of these players out early should be high on SA's agenda.

England won the Under-19 World Cup in 1998 and were runners-up in 2022. There is plenty of focus on their 2024 campaign, with much expected of several players that will likely play Test, ODI and T20I cricket for the country in the future. That pressure could empower or toll here.