HARARE: Australia maintained their perfect record at the 2026 U-19 World Cup with a thumping nine-wicket win over Sri Lanka, while Bangladesh booked their place in the Super Six stage with a seven-wicket win over the United States on Wednesday.
In their final Group ‘A’ match, Australia faced Sri Lanka for a paltry 58, with William Byrom leading the attack with five wickets, to finish top of the group with three wins from three matches.
Earlier, Bangladesh prevailed in a virtual knockout clash in Harare, where captain Azizul Hakim Takim scored 64 to guide his team past the United States.
Sri Lanka never recovered from an early collapse triggered by Australian seamers. Charles Lachmund struck twice in his third over to leave Sri Lanka reeling before Byrom burst through the middle order, taking four wickets as the innings collapsed to 30 for six.
Although Chamika Heentigala offered brief resistance with 14, Sri Lanka were eventually dismissed for 58, with Byrom returning to collect his fifth wicket. Hayden Schiller and Kasey Barton supported the effort with neat periods.
Australia’s chase was straightforward despite losing Will Malajczuk for four runs in the first match. Steven Hogan (28 not out) and Nitesh Samuel (19 not out) then added an unbroken 58-run stand to complete the formalities in 12 overs.
In Harare, Bangladesh produced a composed performance to beat the United States by seven wickets in a winner-take-all contest for a place in the Super Six.
Put into bat, USA were rocked early before Sahil Garg (35) and Utkarsh Srivastava (39) stabilized the innings with a score of 51 runs. Bangladesh fought back through Shahriar Ahmed and Iqbal Hossain, and the United States slumped to 128 for seven.
Adnit Jhamb, however, staged a fine counter-attack, finishing unbeaten on 68 to take his team to 199, all on the last ball.
Bangladesh started their response positively as Zawad Abrar scored 47 runs in a 78-run opening stand. After both openers fell, Azizul Hakim Takim took control of the chase, sharing an 88-run partnership with Kalam Siddiki Aleen (30 not out).
Azizul was eventually dismissed for 64, with 24 still needed, but Rizan Hossan, who had earlier taken two wickets, struck a brisk 20 to take Bangladesh home without much fanfare.
Published in Dawn, January 24, 2026
