England and Afghanistan powered into the Super Six stage of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup with flawless group-stage records, producing commanding victories over Scotland and Tanzania respectively on Wednesday (21).
Both teams now move forward as strong semi-final contenders, carrying momentum built on dominant batting and ruthless bowling performances.
Mayes’ 191 headlines England’s 252-run rout
England posted a statement victory over Scotland, piling up 404 for 6, the highest team total of the tournament so far, before bowling their opponents out for 152.
After losing opener Ben Dawkins early, Joseph Moores and Ben Mayes turned the match on its head with a brutal 188-run partnership. Moores struck an entertaining 81 off 65 balls, but it was Mayes who stole the show with a breathtaking 191 off just 117 deliveries.
The 18-year-old’s innings, featuring 18 fours and eight sixes, was the joint second-highest individual score in Under-19 World Cup history and the best ever by an England batter in the tournament. He fell just one run short of the all-time record.
Late fireworks from Sebastian Morgan (25* off 11) pushed England beyond the 400 mark, leaving Scotland with a mountain to climb. Early wickets derailed the chase, and despite resistance from Finlay Carter and Max Chaplin, Scotland were bowled out for 152, sealing a 252-run England victory.
England finish top of Group C and move into Super Six Group 2, while Scotland’s qualification hopes now rest on other results.
Omarzai 5-for seals Afghanistan’s dominance
Afghanistan maintained their perfect run with a nine-wicket demolition of Tanzania, led by a devastating spell from Nooristani Omarzai.
After Tanzania elected to bat, Afghanistan’s bowlers struck early and never relented. Omarzai and Wahidullah Zadran removed both openers inside three overs, setting the tone for a one-sided contest.
Omarzai finished with a superb five-wicket haul, wrapping up Tanzania for just 85 in 36 overs. The performance took his tournament tally to 10 wickets in three matches, underlining his status as one of the competition’s standout bowlers.
The chase was a formality. Faisal Khan blasted an unbeaten 55 off 34 balls, guiding Afghanistan to victory inside 13 overs.
Afghanistan end the group stage top of Group D and advance to Super Six Group 1, while Tanzania bow out of the tournament.
With emphatic wins and unbeaten records, England and Afghanistan have announced themselves as serious threats as the Under-19 World Cup enters its decisive phase, and on current form, both sides look primed for a deep run.
