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RSA U19 vs IND U19, 1st Youth ODI: India Begin South Africa Tour 2026 with High Hopes at Benoni
Summary: India Under-19 launch their South Africa tour with the 1st Youth ODI at Benoni today as two talented youth sides clash in a battle of future stars.
The India Under-19 cricket team begin their South Africa tour, 2026 with the 1st Youth One-Day International against South Africa Under-19 today at the iconic Willowmoore Park, Benoni. The match will start at 10:00 AM local time (8:00 AM GMT) and sets the tone for an exciting youth series between two of the strongest cricketing nations.
Youth bilateral series are often seen as the foundation of future international success, and this contest promises a glimpse into the next generation of stars who could dominate world cricket in the coming years.
Match Overview
- Match: RSA U19 vs IND U19, 1st Youth ODI
- Series: India Under-19 tour of South Africa, 2026
- Date: Today
- Time: 10:00 AM Local | 8:00 AM GMT
- Venue: Willowmoore Park, Benoni
India Under-19: New Leadership, Big Ambitions
India Under-19 arrive in South Africa with a balanced squad packed with all-round talent, led by Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has been entrusted with captaincy responsibilities for this crucial overseas tour.
The Indian team will rely on a solid top order featuring Aaron George, Harvansh Pangalia, and Vedant Trivedi, all of whom have shown consistency at domestic youth levels. Abhigyan Kundu, the wicketkeeper, adds stability and sharp glovework behind the stumps.
The bowling attack looks well-rounded with options like Kanishk Chouhan, Kishan Kumar Singh, Mohamed Enaan, and Deepesh Devendran, who will be tested on South Africa’s bouncy tracks. All-round contributors such as RS Ambrish and Henil Patel add depth to the XI.
For India, this tour is not just about winning matches but about building temperament, adaptability, and leadership in foreign conditions.
South Africa Under-19: Home Conditions, Strong Core
South Africa Under-19, playing in familiar conditions, will look to make early inroads into the series. The team is captained by Muhammed Bulbulia, who also serves as wicketkeeper - a role demanding both leadership and composure.
Batters like Jorich Van Schalkwyk, Jason Rowles, and Armaan Manack form the backbone of the batting unit, while the bowling attack led by Bandile Mbatha, Ntando Soni, Enathi Kitshini, and Bayanda Majola is expected to exploit pace and bounce at Benoni.
With crowd support and knowledge of conditions, South Africa U19 will be keen to start the series with a strong statement performance.
Pitch & Conditions: Willowmoore Park, Benoni
Willowmoore Park traditionally offers:
- Good bounce for fast bowlers
- Early movement with the new ball
- A true surface for stroke-play once batters settle
Teams batting first often aim for a competitive total, while chasing sides need solid starts to avoid pressure against disciplined bowling attacks.
Players to Watch
India U19
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi: Captain’s responsibility and key middle-order role
- Abhigyan Kundu: Reliable wicketkeeper-batter
- Kanishk Chouhan: Crucial with the new ball
South Africa U19
- Muhammed Bulbulia: Captain-keeper, anchor of the side
- Jorich Van Schalkwyk: Aggressive top-order batter
- Bandile Mbatha: Strike bowler in home conditions
Why This Match Is Important
This Youth ODI series is a critical evaluation phase for both teams ahead of future ICC U19 tournaments. Performances here can shape player careers, national selection paths, and leadership pipelines.
For fans, it’s an opportunity to spot tomorrow’s international cricketers today.
Squads
India Under-19 Squad
Vaibhav Suryavanshi (c), Aaron George, Harvansh Pangalia, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Kanishk Chouhan, RS Ambrish, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Kishan Kumar Singh, Mohamed Enaan, Rahul Kumar, Udhav Mohan, Yuvraj Gohil
South Africa Under-19 Squad
Jorich Van Schalkwyk, Adnaan Lagadien, Muhammed Bulbulia (wk/c), Jason Rowles, Armaan Manack, Paul James, Daniel Bosman, Bandile Mbatha, Ntando Soni, JJ Basson, Bayanda Majola, Corne Botha, Michael Kruiskamp, Lethabo Phahlamohlaka, Enathi Kitshini
Keywords: RSA U19 vs IND U19 2026,India Under-19 tour of South Africa,1st Youth ODI Benoni
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