ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026: Australia, West Indies notch up Super Six wins

Australia consolidated its place at the top of Group 1 with a six-wicket win against South Africa, while West Indies beat Ireland to stay in contention for a semifinal spot during the Super Six stage of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 on Sunday.

After being put into bat by Australia, South Africa was reduced to 37 for four in 10 overs with Charles Lachmund and William Byrom picking two wickets apiece. As the Proteas kept losing wickets at regular intervals, Paul James played a lone hand, scoring 34 off 60 deliveries. South Africa was eventually bowled out for 118 inside 33 overs, with Lachmund nabbing three wickets, while Byrom and Aryan Sharma snapped two each.

In reply, Australia was struggling at 45 for two in the 12th over, having lost in-form batters Will Malajczuk and Nitesh Samuel.

Steven Hogan and Oliver Peake steadied the ship with a 22-run stand before Jacob Basson sent Peake back to the pavillion to nab his second wicket. Hogan took Australia closer to the target before Basson dismissed him for 43, with Australia still needing 25 runs to win.

Jayden Draper and Alex Young saw through the chase without further hiccups, handing the defending champion its first win of the Super Six. Australia leads the Group 1 table with six points.

West Indies was reeling at 67 for three within the first 16 overs after being asked to bat first by Ireland. However, Jewel Andrew led the fightback for West Indies, scoring an 82-ball 66 that took the innings forward. Jonathan van Lange contributed with a handy 28, while Aadian Racha also struck a useful 28 to take West Indies past the 200-run mark before the innings folded for 226 in 46.5 overs.

Ireland got off to a strong start, with James West’s 55-ball 45 leading the way. Freddie Ogilby (14), Adam Leckey (18), and Rob O’brien (26) got starts but couldn’t carry on for long, allowing West Indies to come back into the contest.

Leg-spinner Micah McKenzie was the pick of the bowlers as he tore through the Irish middle order to end with figures of 4/36 in 10 overs.

Ireland was struggling at 164 for seven in 40 overs, still requiring 62 from 60 deliveries, when rain interrupted play. With no further action possible, West Indies won the match by 25 runs via the D/L method.

With four points, West Indies is third in Group 1 of the Super Six.

Published on Jan 25, 2026