The news article from Sportstar, reporting on the 1st Youth ODI between South Africa U-19 and India U-19, has been thoroughly verified and found to be accurate. India U-19 indeed defeated South Africa U-19 by 25 runs in a rain-marred contest on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Willowmoore Park in Benoni, South Africa.. The match was decided using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method after rain interrupted play during South Africa's chase.. India, after being asked to bat first, posted a competitive total of 301 runs in their allotted 50 overs. Harvansh Singh Pangalia was the standout performer with the bat, scoring a composed 93 runs, while Ramanujam Ambrish contributed 65 runs, forming a crucial 137-run partnership for the fifth wicket.. In response, South Africa U-19 were 148 for 4 when the match was halted by rain and lightning, leading to India's victory by the DLS method.. Jorich van Schalkwyk was unbeaten on 60 for South Africa when play stopped.. This match was the opening fixture of a three-match Youth ODI series, serving as vital preparation for both teams ahead of the ICC Men's U19 World Cup 2026.. The headline accurately reflects the outcome and nature of the match, with no exaggeration or misinformation detected. Numerous credible news outlets, including BCCI, Times of India, NDTV Sports, SuperSport, and Hindustan Times, have also reported and corroborated the details of this fixture.