JJ Basson still in high spirits despite second loss at U19 World Cup

The loss saw them finish in third position in Group D behind Afghanistan and the Windies, but came with something to celebrate as he recorded a five-for with the ball.

He explained how he went about his business in that 5/23 performance.

"We started off quite nicely by striking in the power play. I felt that we really kept the pressure on, and when I was brought back into the attack it was important for me to continue breaking the partnerships. I felt that I executed quite nicely by grabbing three very important wickets in the middle period."

READ: Lhuan-dre Pretorius backs Paarl Royals to win SA20 Season 4

The West Indies put up a 234 first innings total while South Africa were bundled out for 179 in 38 overs, with Jason Rowles top-scoring for 46. Basson believes it was not an impossible score to chase, but rather they just could not click into gear with the bat.

"We did really well in our fielding innings to restrict them to 234. It's always a 'chaseable' score, but unfortunately this is cricket. There is still positives we can take out of this match and use them to improve in the next couple of days."

Basson wants them to put the result behind them as quickly as possible and focus on the next task at the tournament.

They now go into the Super Sixes where they’ll face the top two teams from Group A – Australia and Sri-Lanka – and he says that’s where their focus should be.

"We won't dwell too much on this result, it's never nice losing a match, but we still have two games to go. Our focus will immediately switch to the next one."

Having also lost to the Afghans in their first match and won only against Tanzania, it’s easy for heads to start dropping in camp.

Basson stressed the importance of keeping a jovial mood and making sure everyone is enjoying the tournament.