England and Sri Lanka recorded crucial victories at the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup on a day that significantly reshaped the race for the semi-finals, while the USA wrapped up their campaign with an emphatic win in the placement playoffs.
England continue unbeaten march
England maintained their flawless run in the Super Six stage with a dominant seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh, climbing to the top of Group 2 with six points from three matches. After winning the toss, Bangladesh struggled to cope with England’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, being bowled out for 136 in 38.1 overs.
Sebastian Morgan led the attack with an impressive 3 for 28, while Ralphie Albert and Manny Lumsden provided excellent support with two wickets apiece. Rifat Beg (31) and Md Abdullah (25) offered brief resistance, but England kept the scoring in check throughout.
In reply, England made light work of the chase, reaching the target in just 24.1 overs. Thomas Rew anchored the innings with a fluent 59 not out, as England sealed their fourth consecutive win and strengthened their semi-final credentials ahead of their clash with New Zealand.
Sri Lanka end Afghanistan’s perfect run
In Group 1, Sri Lanka inflicted Afghanistan’s first defeat of the tournament, securing a hard-fought four-wicket win in Windhoek. After opting to field, Sri Lanka’s bowlers restricted Afghanistan to 193 all out, with Viran Chamuditha returning outstanding figures of 2 for 20.
Osman Sadat top-scored for Afghanistan with a composed 61, while Aziz Mia Khil added momentum with an aggressive 43. Despite early breakthroughs in the chase, Sri Lanka held their nerve through key contributions from Senuja Wekunagoda (43) and Dimantha Mahavithana (37).
All-rounder Chamika Heenatigala (22*) guided Sri Lanka home in the 47th over, tightening the Group 1 standings, where Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and West Indies are now locked on four points apiece, with Afghanistan still leading on net run-rate.
USA finish strong in playoff clash
In the 13th–16th place playoff, the USA ended their campaign on a high, defeating Scotland by seven wickets. Scotland posted 236, built around Theo Robinson’s polished 83 and useful contributions from Manu Saraswat (41) and Jake Woodhouse (28).
The USA bowling attack was led by Ritvik Appidi (4 for 54) and Rayaan Taj (3 for 37), who removed Scotland’s top order. Chasing 237, the USA were powered by a superb unbeaten 116 from Adnit Jhamb, who struck 17 fours and a six in a match-winning knock.
Jhamb shared a decisive 129-run partnership with captain Utkarsh Srivastava (52) as the USA cruised to victory with more than 11 overs to spare.
With England surging towards the semi-finals and Group 1 wide open after Sri Lanka’s breakthrough win, the Under-19 World Cup heads into a decisive phase where every result could prove pivotal.
