Essex’s Noah Thain crunched an unbeaten half-century as England defeated Under-19 World Cup hosts South Africa by 36 runs on the DLS method to make it back-to-back wins.
Thain amassed 63 not out from 82 deliveries, including eight fours, to top-score in England’s innings, which saw them chasing the Proteas’ 230 all out.
The Three Lions’ chase was interrupted in the 29th over with the score at 137-2, and despite no further play being possible, their total comfortably exceeded the DLS par score, giving them victory.
Tazeem Ali, who took 3/26 from ten overs, was the pick of the bowlers, while Eddie Jack and Jaydn Denly also collected three wickets apiece.
Thain took two catches, both off Denly, as the hosts were dismissed in the final over despite a 55-ball 64 from opener Steve Stolk having initially given them a platform.
A stand of 92 between Thain and captain Ben McKinney, who made 48, helped England recover from the early loss of Denly.
Thain then remained unbeaten through to the curtailment, which was at first due to the threat of lightning before heavy rain did ensure an early end to the match and an England win.
Luc Benkenstein and Charlie Allison were both also in the England team, with the 1998 champions now safely through to the Super Six stage.
The Three Lions beat Scotland in their tournament opener on Saturday, and have the chance to make it three wins from three against West Indies on Friday, prior to the start of the next round.
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