Mahatlane: Positives outweigh negatives

South Africa Under-19 coach, Lawrence Mahatlane felt his side were 20 runs short in the second Youth One-Day International which they lost to West Indies in Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday.
The hosts suffered a narrow, two-wicket loss as the tourists levelled the five-match series at 1-1.
After posting a modest 208/8 from their 50 overs – built around 53 from Wandile Makwetu – they saw the visitors nervously reach the victory target eight wickets down and with 32 balls to spare.
“I thought the boys played really well,” Mahatlane said. “We started off well with the bat but just didn’t execute as well as we would have liked to in those middle overs.
“The West Indies spinners also bowled very well in that middle period and that’s where they really put us under pressure, so well done to them. Making 208 at the end of the day was just 20 runs too short for this encounter.”
The South Africans initially struggled for wickets against the U19 world champions, who were cruising along nicely on 118/1 thanks to opener Bhaskar Yadram’s 81.
Even after he fell, they still looked comfortably on course for an easy win at 165/3, before the home side roared back.
Mahatlane continued: “With West Indies at 118 for one, to pick up the next seven wickets for 94 runs, the boys showed a lot of heart and a lot of character.
“So I thought that from a bowling and fielding point of view, we really brought ourselves into the game. Unfortunately we missed a couple of opportunities but overall we were okay.”
Match three of the five-game series takes place at the same Pietermaritzburg Oval on Friday.
The South African coach added: “There were a lot of positives to take out of the game and even though we’re disappointed with the loss, I think from a batting point of view we should have done a bit better.”
Latest
-
News
Andrew Gale will not engage with ECB disciplinary process over racism claims
Gale was sacked by Yorkshire last year but earlier this month won an unfair dismissal claim against the club.
-
News
Michael Vaughan ‘steps back’ from BBC work after staff raise concerns
The former England captain had recently returned to Test Match Special coverage.
-
News
Simon Harmer bowls Essex to thrilling win while Surrey dominate Kent
Spinner Harmer took 15 wickets in the match as his side held off Hampshire by 12 runs.
-
News
Sciver stars and Davidson-Richards makes history – day two in the women’s Test
The England pair’s maiden Test centuries took their side past South Africa’s total at Taunton.
-
News
Alice Davidson-Richards savours debut century as England take upper hand
The all-rounder joined only WG Grace with a hundred and a wicket on Test debut for England.
-
News
Sciver and Davidson-Richards hit maiden Test centuries to put England on top
The home side had struggled to 121 for five before the pair began their rescue act.
-
News
Eoin Morgan – On leadership, that Lord’s final and letting go
Morgan has announced his international retirement.
-
News
Eoin Morgan steps away rather than feel ‘like an imposter’ for England
The World Cup-winning captain has struggled for form and fitness in recent months.
-
News
Eoin Morgan leaves lasting legacy after transforming England’s white-ball sides
The 35-year-old has called time on his international career on Tuesday.
-
News
Sixes, centuries and celebrations – Eoin Morgan’s England career in pictures
Morgan transformed England’s one-day side from also-rans to world champions.