South Africa came from the jaws of defeat to book a place in the Super League of the International Cricket Council Under-19 World Cup tournament in Bangladesh on Friday.
The South Africans had to dig deep to overcome a determined England team. After winning the toss the South African side chose to field first and bowled England out for 189.
England were off to a good start as Ravinder Bopara with 36 and Steven Davies, 63, shared 82 runs for the second wicket. But South African bowlers Vincenzo Pennazza, Craig Alexander and Keagan Africa were in an uncompromising mood to skittle them to a modest total.
Pennazza and Africa took two wickets apiece and Andrew Birch, Waylain September and Alexander finished with one each.
South Africa, needing just less than four runs to the over, lost the wicket of Birch for 1. However, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, who opened the batting, lasted for 33 overs after his workmanlike 76 helped South Africa to reach 154 for 6. He was later voted man of the match.
When Alexander joined Africa at the crease, the South Africans needed 20 runs with one wicket standing.
Alexander batted sensibly and allowed Africa to face most of the England attack. South Africa managed to scrape through to 190 runs required and won the match by one wicket.
Africa ended with an unbeaten 25 following his undefeated 52 against Nepal on Wednesday. Tim Bresnan was the pick of the England bowlers, ending with three for 35 in 10.
Despite the loss, England had already won a place in the eight-team Super League, which begins in Dhaka on Sunday. The other eight teams will fight for the Plate Championship in Chittagong. — Sapa