- Proteas smash records with historic win over Tanzania
- Sri Lanka seal Super 6 qualification with commanding display
- Pakistan open their campaign with clinical chase against Scotland
South Africa, Sri Lanka and Pakistan all enjoyed emphatic victories on Monday (19) as the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 gathered momentum, with records broken, qualification secured and early statements made across three compelling encounters.
Proteas script history with record-breaking rout of Tanzania
South Africa produced one of the most dominant performances in Under-19 World Cup history, crushing Tanzania by 329 runs after posting a mammoth 397 for 5, their highest-ever total in the tournament.
Openers Jorich van Schalkwyk (47) and Mogamat Lagadien (32) laid a brisk foundation before captain Muhammad Bulbulia and Jason Rowles took complete control. The pair stitched together a commanding 201-run partnership, with Bulbulia bringing up his maiden World Cup century (108) and Rowles going one better with an unbeaten 125 off 101 balls.
Late fireworks from Paul James, who hammered 46 off just 18 deliveries, propelled South Africa to the eighth-highest total in U19 World Cup history.
Tanzania’s reply never took off. Reduced to 13 for 4 inside 10 overs, they offered only brief resistance through Mohammedi Mbaki before being skittled cheaply. The result marked South Africa’s biggest-ever win by runs at the U19 World Cup and the second-largest margin overall.
Pakistan outclass Scotland to open their account
Pakistan began their campaign in convincing fashion, defeating Scotland by six wickets after a disciplined bowling effort and a composed chase.
Fast bowler Ali Raza set the tone immediately, striking twice in the opening over. Though Scotland rebuilt through a 47-run stand between Thomas Knight and Rory Grant, Pakistan maintained control as Momin Qamar (3 wickets) and Raza (4 wickets) combined to dismiss Scotland for 187 in 48.1 overs.
In response, Pakistan recovered from early setbacks through a decisive 111-run partnership between Usman Khan and Ahmed Hussain, extinguishing Scottish hopes. Khan completed a well-crafted half-century before Pakistan sealed victory in 43.1 overs, setting up their next clash against hosts Zimbabwe.
Sri Lanka cruise into Super 6s with authoritative win
Sri Lanka booked their place in the Super 6 stage with a commanding 106-run victory over Ireland, built on resilience with the bat and sharp bowling.
After early setbacks left them 59 for 3, skipper Vimath Dinsara led a calm recovery, first with Kavija Gamage and then with Chamika Heenatigala. Dinsara narrowly missed a century, falling for 95, but his innings laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s competitive 267 for 5. Heenatigala added a fluent half-century to finish the innings strongly.
Ireland’s chase faltered despite a bright start from Callum Armstrong, as Sri Lanka’s bowlers tightened the screws. Dulnith Sigera (4) and Rasith Nimsara (3) shared seven wickets, ensuring Ireland were bowled out for 161 in 40.1 overs.
Sri Lanka will now face Australia in their final group match, while Ireland turn their attention to Japan.
