JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, CMC – Reigning world Under-19 champions West Indies will face the son of legendary South Africa fast bowler Makhaya Ntini when they visit in July.
Thando Ntini was named as one of nine new caps to face the Windies Under-19s in a five-match, Youth One-Day International series from July 9 to 19 in Durban and Pietermaritzburg, Cricket South Africa has announced.
The 16-year-old Ntini is a fast bowler like his father, but unlike his famous dad is far more capable with the bat and is part of the 15-member squad to be captained by Raynard van Tonder.
The remaining six players have already appeared in Youth ODIs previously, beating Sri Lanka Under-19s in a series last January, and they include Wandile Makwetu, the most capped player in the side, who made his debut at the 2016 Youth World Cup which the Windies Under-19s, under the leadership of Shimron Hetmyer, won in Bangladesh.
SA Under-19 head coach Lawrence Mahatlane said the series will mark the formal beginning of the team’s preparation for the 2018 Youth World Cup in New Zealand.
“Testing ourselves against the world champions is an ideal opportunity for us as a team to see where we are with the 2018 World Cup just around the corner,” he said.
“It is an exciting team with only six players having previously represented South Africa. This is a great opportunity for those selected to showcase their talent.”
Cricket SA High Performance Manager Vincent Barnes said: “With the ICC Youth World Cup only a few months away, the West Indies series is a very important series for our team.
“There have been a few changes to the squad that beat Sri Lanka earlier this year and the West Indies, who are the current World Cup champions will provide the required stiff opposition for the home side.”