South Africa claim series after Pienaar blitz

South Africa U19s 230 for 5 (Pienaar 72*) beat England U19s 229 (Cobb 84, Northeast 64) by five wickets
Scorecard

A quickfire 72 from Obus Pienaar sealed the fifth ODI for South Africa Under-19s in Cape Town, claiming the series 3-2 over England Under-19s. The two sides meet again for the first of two Twenty20s on Wednesday at Newlands.

After their impressive five-wicket win on Saturday, England appeared to be hitting their straps but today they could only manage a below-par 229, as South Africa's bowlers maintained a strict line and length. Sam Northeast continued his prolific form to hit his third half-century of the series, and together with Josh Cobb put on 115 for the third wicket. Northeast tops the runs this series with 219 at 43.80.

It was England's most substantial partnership of the innings but thereafter there was little resistance, apart from Cobb who cracked a fine 84. Siyamthanda Ntshona , an 18-year-old fast bowler, finished with 3 for 47 as England were bowled out in the last over.

South Africa initially struggled, losing Andrea Agathagelou and Rilee Rossouw in quick succession, but unlike England they formed more than one partnership in the middle order. Mangaliso Mosehle, consistent throughout the five matches, struck 47 from 65 while Temba Bavuma heaved 42, but it was Pienaar who really stood out.

Smashing eight fours and two sixes in his 66-ball 72, he made a mockery of the target; lifting Liam Dawson for two consecutive fours and a six, he sealed a comprehensive win and deserved series victory for South Africa.