- Defending champions seal qualification with eight-wicket victory over Japan
- Malajczuk smashes fastest-ever U19 World Cup century
- New Zealand–Bangladesh clash washed out in Bulawayo
Australia booked their place in the Super Six stage of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 with a commanding eight-wicket win over Japan, while rain continued to play spoilsport as New Zealand and Bangladesh were forced to share points after an abandoned match.
Australia vs Japan: Champions flex their muscle
Japan showed early resistance after opting to bat first, recovering from the early loss of Nikhil Pol through a composed 58-run partnership between Nihar Parmar and Hugo Tani-Kelly. Parmar’s run-out on 33 halted the momentum, but Tani-Kelly once again anchored the innings, finding support from Charles Hinze and later Montgomery Hinze, whose patient 29 off 51 balls helped Japan push past the 200 mark.
Tani-Kelly remained the backbone of the innings, finishing unbeaten on 79, as Japan posted a competitive 201, giving Australia a target that briefly suggested a contest.
That suggestion disappeared quickly. Australia’s openers produced a blistering response, with Will Malajczuk and Nitesh Samuel tearing apart the bowling in a 135-run stand inside just 16 overs. Malajczuk etched his name into tournament history, hammering a 51-ball century, the fastest ever at an ICC Under-19 Men’s World Cup, and finishing with 102 off 55 balls. Samuel’s calm, unbeaten 60 ensured Australia coasted home with ease.
The win guarantees Australia a spot in the Super Six, setting up a high-profile clash against Sri Lanka, who also boast a perfect record so far.
Rain washes out Bangladesh vs New Zealand
Elsewhere in Bulawayo, rain once again disrupted proceedings as New Zealand and Bangladesh shared points after only 10 overs of play. Bangladesh had sent New Zealand in to bat, and the Kiwis made a steady start through Aryandeep Mann and captain Thomas Jones before persistent rain brought an early end to the contest.
It marked New Zealand’s second consecutive abandoned match, leaving qualification scenarios delicately poised. They face India on Saturday (24), while Bangladesh return to action against USA on Friday.
As the tournament progresses, Australia’s emphatic form, highlighted by record-breaking batting, has reinforced their status as title favourites, while weather continues to test patience and momentum in Group play.
