South Africa looking for strong exit at disappointing U19 World Cup
28th January 2026
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SA Under-19 bowler Michael Kruiskamp has expressed disappointment at how their World Cup campaign has gone, and says they have let themselves down at the tournament.
South Africa have only one victory to their name at the competition, which is being held in Namibia and Zimbabwe. That win came on match-day two against Tanzania, with the loss to Australia in the Super Sixes sealing their fate. Their match against Sri-Lanka tomorrow is now a dead rubber with no chance of making the semi-finals, and Kruiskamp says they just didn’t come to the party.
"It's not our best tournament, and we're disappointed with how we've performed, so we're not too pleased with how its gone. Personally, there are alot of errors that I could have improved on, so I also wish I could have done a little better," said Kruiskamp.
He gave a diagnosis of what could have gone wrong for them at the World Cup, and believes they could have handled the pressure moments better. He also revealed that they struggled with the conditions in certain instances.
Although they know the result against Sri-Lanka cannot help them now, they’re still eager to go and win there to go out with a bang. Kruiskamp says their pride will be on the line at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
"I think it's more for our own pride. We obviously haven't performed to our abilities or to what we're capable of, so I think it's more for ourselves, our families and for representing the country, doing it for everyone back home and showing them that we do have the ability to win games here."
The 17-year-old added that there are lessons he’s taking back home with him, and hopes to build on the international cricket exposure he gained at the tournament.
