Five-time champions India wrapped up a perfect group-stage campaign at the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup with a commanding seven-wicket victory over New Zealand, while Japan created history by recording their first win of the tournament, defeating Tanzania convincingly in a play-off fixture.
India’s latest triumph ensured three wins from three matches, underlining their status as strong title contenders heading into the Super Six stage. Japan, meanwhile, celebrated a landmark moment in their U19 World Cup journey with a comprehensive all-round performance.
Japan cruise to historic play-off victory
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Tanzania showed early promise despite losing Karim Kiseto in the second over. Acrey Pascal led the resistance with a fluent half-century, adding 79 runs alongside Ayaan Shariff to steady the innings.
However, Japan spinner Nihar Parmar turned the game decisively, removing Shariff and triggering a dramatic collapse. Tanzania lost eight wickets for just 13 runs, folding for 131 in 38.3 overs.
Parmar finished with four wickets and then produced a match-winning effort with the bat. Opening the innings, he remained unbeaten on 53, sharing a dominant 122-run partnership with Taylor Waugh as Japan chased down the target in just 28.2 overs. Parmar was deservedly named Player of the Match.
Clinical India overpower New Zealand
India’s bowlers set the tone early against New Zealand, reducing them to 17 for 3 inside the first eight overs after opting to field. Despite the match being curtailed to 37 overs per side, India maintained relentless pressure.
Lower-order contributions from Callum Samson (37*), Selwin Sanjay (28) and Jacob Cotter (23) helped New Zealand reach 135, but the total proved well below par.
India’s response was swift and ruthless. After an early wicket, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre smashed 76 runs off just 39 balls, effectively ending the contest. The chase was comfortably completed in 13.3 overs, with Vihaan Malhotra and Vedant Trivedi seeing India home.
India now move into the Super Six stage where they will face Zimbabwe, while New Zealand will look to regroup ahead of their clash against Pakistan.
