West Indies, Pakistan and Ireland all registered vital victories in their final group-stage fixtures at the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026, as the race for Super Six qualification intensified with the tournament entering its decisive phase.
Carter century powers West Indies past South Africa
West Indies produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat South Africa by 55 runs, with opener Zachary Carter delivering a match-defining century. After opting to bat, West Indies recovered from an early setback through Carter’s fluent 114 off 104 balls, anchoring the innings despite a middle-order wobble triggered by JJ Basson’s five-wicket haul. The Caribbean side were eventually dismissed for 234.
South Africa’s chase unravelled early under pressure from Shaquan Belle, who removed two top-order batters inside the powerplay. Although Jason Rowles (46) attempted a rebuild, Belle returned with a devastating spell to claim six wickets, as South Africa collapsed for 179 to hand West Indies a convincing victory.
Pakistan clinch comfortable 8-wicket win
Pakistan underlined their bowling depth with a clinical eight-wicket win over Zimbabwe, skittling their opponents for just 128. Fast bowler Ali Raza (3/16) spearheaded the attack, while disciplined support from Mohammad Sayyam, Abdul Subhan and Momin Qamar ensured Zimbabwe never recovered from a disastrous powerplay.
In response, Pakistan chased the target with ease, led by Sameer Minhas’ unbeaten 74, reaching the total in just 26.2 overs to cap off a dominant group-stage finish.
Ireland secure Super Six spot with composed chase
Ireland became the latest team to book their place in the Super Six stage, defeating Japan by four wickets in a must-win encounter. Japan showed resilience after early losses, with Charles Hara-Hinze (57) and a late flourish from Gabriel Hara-Hinze (44) pushing them to 247.
Ireland’s reply was built on a crucial 95-run partnership between Freddie Ogilby (73) and Adam Leckey (44), before Sebastian Dijkstra’s unbeaten 55 guided the chase home despite late resistance from Japan’s bowlers.
With the group stage drawing to a close, momentum is firmly with West Indies, Pakistan and Ireland, as all three sides carry confidence and clarity into the Super Six phase, where margins tighten and title ambitions truly take shape.
