HARARE: Australia recorded a comfortable victory against Japan in their second match of the U-19 World Cup to book a place in the Super 6s on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the points were shared again in Bulawayo after the match between New Zealand and Bangladesh was stopped due to rain.
Japan opted to bat first after winning the toss and, despite losing Nikhil Pol early, managed to establish a platform to post a competitive score on the board.
Nihar Parmar and Hugo Tani-Kelly built a solid 58-run partnership which ended with a fine run from the Australian fielding as Parmar was bowled out for 33 runs. But Tani-Kelly, the centurion from the last match, was in fine form and continued to help the Japanese cause.
He was well supported by Charles Hinze after Parmar’s departure, adding 24 runs off 22 balls.
However, after his dismissal, Tani-Kelly continued to lack partners until Montgomery Hinze, whose 29 from 51 allowed Tani-Kelly to take Japan’s score past the 200-point mark.
Tani-Kelly was the mainstay of the Japanese rounds as he remained unbeaten with 79, setting the defending champions a target of 202.
The Australian opening pair spotted any possibility of threat in the second innings with a powerful opening partnership.
Will Malajczuk and Nitesh Samuel made a combined 135 runs in just 15 overs to put Australia on course for victory.
Malajczuk scored a 51-ball hundred to record the fastest century in the history of the U-19 World Cup. His score of 102 in 55 deliveries gave Australia enough momentum for them to achieve victory.
Samuel remained unbeaten on 60 as Australia claimed an eight-wicket victory to book their place in the Super 6s.
Australia next face Sri Lanka, who also have a perfect record in the tournament so far, on Friday, while Japan take on Ireland on Thursday.
New Zealand and Bangladesh had to settle for a share of the spoils after rain allowed only 10 overs of play on Tuesday.
Bangladesh had asked New Zealand to bat first after winning the toss and the Kiwis got off to a good start thanks to Aryandeep Mann and captain Thomas Jones, who came in after the loss of Hugo Bogue’s wicket.
However, the skies opened late in the 10th, allowing no more play as the game was called.
This is New Zealand’s second consecutive match to be abandoned due to rain. They next face India on Saturday, while Bangladesh take on the United States a day earlier.
Published in Dawn, January 21, 2026
