The U19 World Cup action continues as the hosts, South Africa U19, look to bounce back against Tanzania U19 at the High Performance Oval in Windhoek. While the Proteas have had a tough run of results recently, their individual performances suggest they are the heavy favorites in this contest. Let's break down the stats, the pitch, and the players who can help you climb the leaderboard in your fantasy contests.
Match Details
- Match: SA U19 vs Tan19
- Series: Men's Under-19 World Cup
- Venue: High Performance Oval, Windhoek
- Date & Time: 19 Jan 2026, 09:30 Local Time
Weather and Pitch Report
Weather: Windhoek is expected to be warm and partly cloudy. The temperature will hover around 28°C with low humidity. There is no significant rain threat, so we should get a full game. The morning start might offer a hint of moisture for the seamers early on.
Pitch Report: The High Performance Oval has been a bowler friendly track recently. The average score in the last two matches is just 187 runs. The stats clearly favor the quicks here pacers have taken 18 wickets compared to just 9 by spinners in the last couple of games. Batters will need to apply themselves, but once set, runs can be scored.
Team Analysis: South Africa U19
The South African side might show five losses in their recent form guide, but context is key. They have been playing top tier sides like India and Afghanistan. Their biggest asset right now is Jason Rowles. He is in the form of his life, smashing 98 against Afghanistan and 114 against India in his last few outings. If he gets going, he is a one man army for fantasy points.
On the bowling front, Buyanda Majola and Corne Botha have been consistent. Majola picked up 3 wickets in the last game, and given the pitch conditions, he will be a threat with the new ball.
Team Analysis: Tanzania U19
Tanzania is coming off a loss to the West Indies where they were bundled out for 122. Their batting struggled against pace, which is a worry against the South African attack. Dylan Thakrar showed some resistance with 26 runs, but the rest of the lineup needs to step up.
Their bowling was decent, with Raymond Francis and Augustino Mwamele picking up 2 wickets each. If Tanzania bowls first, these two could be valuable budget picks for your fantasy teams.
Key Players to Watch
- Jason Rowles: An absolute lock for your teams. With scores of 98 and 114 recently, he is the safest Captaincy choice.
- Buyanda Majola: A pacer on a track that supports pace. He took 3 wickets in the previous match and will look to exploit the Tanzanian top order.
- Corne Botha: Offers all round value. He picked up 3 wickets recently and can contribute with the bat down the order.
- Raymond Francis: Tanzania's best bowling option based on the last game. He creates wicket taking opportunities in the middle overs.
- Jorich Van Schalkwyk: He has had starts (60 runs vs India recently) and will be eager to convert them into a big score against a relatively weaker bowling attack.
Captaincy & Vice Captaincy Strategy
- Small Leagues: Jason Rowles is the undisputed choice for Captain. For Vice Captain, look at Buyanda Majola or Corne Botha due to the bowling friendly conditions.
- Mega Leagues: If you want to take a risk, try Jorich Van Schalkwyk as Captain. If South Africa bats first and loses an early wicket, he could anchor the innings. Augustino Mwamele is a differential VC option if Tanzania bowls first.
Fantasy Strategy Tips
- Back the Pacers: The ratio of 18 pacer wickets to 9 spinner wickets is significant. Load your team with fast bowlers, especially from South Africa.
- Top Order Focus: Since the average score is low, middle order batters might not get enough time or runs. Stick to the top 3-4 batters from the stronger side.
- Fielding Points: In low scoring games, catches in the slip cordon matter. Keep an eye on players who field in attacking positions.
Good luck with your team creation! Use your skills to analyze the toss and finalize your winning combination.