- England cruise past Zimbabwe to move within touching distance of Super Six qualification
- Afghanistan overpower West Indies to seal Super Six berth
- Rain denies result in New Zealand–USA clash after Nitish Sudini’s stunning century
England and Afghanistan delivered commanding performances at the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, registering emphatic victories over Zimbabwe and West Indies respectively as the battle for Super Six qualification gathered pace. Accordingly, rain played spoilsport in the clash between New Zealand and USA, though not before a remarkable individual effort lit up the contest.
England outclass Zimbabwe by eight wickets
England laid the foundation for a comfortable win with disciplined bowling after inserting Zimbabwe to bat. Early strikes reduced Zimbabwe to trouble, and although Dhruv Patel and Kian Blignaut briefly steadied the innings, wickets fell regularly. Captain Simbarashe Mudzengerere showed resolve to carry his bat, but Zimbabwe could only muster 208 in their 50 overs.
In reply, England overcame the early loss of both openers before Ben Mayes (77*) and captain Thomas Rew (86*) took complete control. The pair dismantled the Zimbabwe attack with an unbroken stand, sealing an eight-wicket win in just 28 overs. England now sit on the brink of Super Six qualification ahead of their final group match against Scotland.
Afghanistan crush West Indies to storm into Super Six
Afghanistan underlined their growing pedigree with a ruthless all-round display against West Indies. Openers Khalid Ahmadzai and Osman Sadat set the tone with a fluent partnership, before captain Mehboob Taskin anchored the innings alongside Sadat, who struck an accomplished 88. Afghanistan finished strongly on 262 for 6, despite resistance from West Indies bowlers Jakeem Pollard and Vitel Lawes.
The Afghan bowlers then tore through the West Indies batting lineup with relentless accuracy. Jewel Andrew’s half-century was the only notable resistance as West Indies collapsed for 124, handing Afghanistan a crushing 138-run victory. The result confirmed Afghanistan’s place in the Super Six stage with a game to spare.
Rain halts New Zealand after Sudini’s heroic hundred
The clash between New Zealand and USA produced high drama before rain intervened. New Zealand’s fast start with the ball left USA reeling at 40 for 5, but Nitish Sudini transformed the innings with a breathtaking counter-attack. Batting at No. 7, Sudini struck an unbeaten 117, lifting USA to a competitive 253.
New Zealand began their chase aggressively, but persistent rain brought an early end to proceedings. With no further play possible, the match was abandoned and points were shared, leaving both teams with crucial fixtures ahead in the race for Super Six qualification.
As the group stage nears its conclusion, England and Afghanistan have surged ahead, while the washout keeps the door open for New Zealand and USA. With qualification on the line, the U19 World Cup promises more high-stakes drama in the days to come.
