Under-19 World Cup 2026: Australia, Bangladesh post comfortable wins

Australia ended its group-stage campaign at the ICC Under-19 World Cup with a commanding nine-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek on Friday.

Australia’s decision to field first after winning the toss was followed by a ruthless bowling display that saw Sri Lanka bundled out for 58.

Charles Lachmund accounted for the openers Viran Chamuditha and Dimantha Mahavithana in the third over. William Byrom then took charge, dismissing Dulnith Sigera to claim the first of his five wickets (5/14) and reduce Sri Lanka to a precarious three for three.

Byrom continued to run through the middle order, not allowing the Lankans time to recover from the poor start. Chamika Heentigala’s 14 off 21 was the highest individual score of the innings, which over by the 19th over.

Steve Hogan anchored the chase with an unbeaten 24, while Nitesh Samuel chipped in with an unbeaten 19 as Australia wrapped up the affair in just 11.5 overs.

At the Takashinga Cricket Club in Harare, Bangladesh broke no sweat in defeating USA by seven wickets.

Bangladesh opted to bowl first and made an instant impact. Amrinder Gill and Arjun Mahesh were dismissed early, leaving USA reeling at 6/2.

Sahil Garg steadied the innings alongside Utkarsh Srivastava with a 51-run stand for the third wicket. But Shahriar Ahmed broke the partnership by nabbing Garg (35 off 60). Srivastava was removed by Iqbal Hossain for 39, before Rizan Hossain struck twice in quick succession to leave USA struggling at 128 for seven.

A rearguard resistance came through Adnit Jhamb and Adit Kappa, who put together a 43-run partnership for eighth wicket. Jhamb ended unbeaten on 68 off 69 balls as USA folded for 199.

Bangladesh made a steady start to the chase as the openers put on 78 runs for the first wicket. After they fell, captain Azizul Hakim Tamim combined with Kalam Siddiki Aleen to add 88 runs for the third wicket that firmly swung the game in Bangladesh’s favour.

Tamim was removed in the 39th over on 64 but it merely delayed the inevitable. Aleen (30 off 55) and Rizan got their side over the line, securing Bangladesh’s first win of the tournament.

Published on Jan 23, 2026

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