U19 World Cup 2024: Raeeq Daniels to replace injured Martin Khumalo in South Africa squad

The Event Technical Committee of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 has approved Raeeq Daniels as a replacement for Martin Khumalo in the South Africa squad. Bowling all-rounder Daniels was named as a replacement after Khumalo was ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained in South Africa’s opening match against the West Indies.

The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the player can be officially added to the squad. The Event Technical Committee of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 consists of Wasim Khan (ICC General Manager – Cricket and Chair of the ETC), Wanele Mngomezulu (Host Tournament Director), Sarah Edgar (IBC Representative) and Samuel Badree (Independent Representative).

South Africa made a winning start in the multi-team tournament as they defeated West Indies by 31 runs in Potchefstroom on the back of a brilliant performance from Kwena Maphaka. The Proteas had to fight back after a brilliant knock from Jewel Andrew (130) put his side on the brink of a famous win after West Indies skipper Stephan Pascal won the toss and elected to bowl first.

Despite the early loss of Steve Stolk (5), Lhuan-Dre Pretorius’ aggressive start meant South Africa were on the front foot. However, the West Indies spinners took charge in the middle overs, and a beauty from Nathan Sealy brought about the end of Pretorius’ stay.

It meant David Teeger had to play the role of an anchor to ensure the young Proteas remained in the fight. He scored a 98-ball 44, and had good support from Oliver Whitehead (26 off 35), the duo taking the hosts to 145/4.

However, Sealy’s double strike in the 35th over brought West Indies back in charge. It needed a fighting partnership between Dewan Marais and Juan James to help lift South Africa to a fighting total. Marais’ assured 38-ball 65 pushed the hosts back, and captain James keeping pace at the other end with 47, the hosts posted a fighting 285/9.

West Indies had an ominous start to their chase, losing their top three within the first three overs. Kwena Maphaka did the initial damage with the ball. His efforts were soon backed up by Riley Norton, and the Caribbean side lost half their team by the 10-over mark.

It was then that Jewel Andrew’s quality shone through. Andrew hit 11 fours and three sixes on the way to his century, keeping West Indies in the game, with Sealy providing an assured hand at the other end. However, South Africa made the most of an unfortunate mix-up, running out Sealy and reducing West Indies to 190/6.

Andrew continued from the other end, keeping West Indies in the hunt with his exquisite strokeplay. So long as Andrew was in the middle, it seemed West Indies had a chance of pulling off a heist.

However, Maphaka and Riley Norton, the wicket-takers in the first Powerplay, proved to be South Africa's saviours. Back-to-back wickets from the duo put the Proteas on the brink of a win, with Andrew falling for an exquisite 130 to Norton. Maphaka finished the formalities in the 41st over, ending with a brilliant 5/38.

South Africa lost their next game to England by 36 runs (DLS method) in Potchefstroom. They face Scotland at the same venue on January 27.

South Africa U19 World Cup 2024 squad:

David Teeger, Juan James, Raeeq Daniels, Tristan Luus, Kwena Maphaka, Dewan Marias, Riley Norton, Nqobani Mokoena, Romashan Pillay, Sipho Potsane, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Richard Seletswane, Oliver Whitehead, Steve Stolk, and Ntando Zuma