Windhoek, Namibia – In a nail-biting encounter at the Namibia Cricket Ground, Ireland clinched a thrilling four-wicket victory over Japan in the 20th match of the Under-19 World Cup 2026. This hard-fought win propelled Ireland into the coveted Super-6 stage, while Japan missed out on a golden opportunity to advance.
Japan, batting first after losing the toss, posted a competitive total of 247 for 9 in their allotted overs. The innings started steadily with Hugo Kelly and Nihar Parmar adding 23 runs for the first wicket in 5.2 overs. Kelly departed for 20, but Nikhil Pol joined Parmar to push the score further with a 25-run stand for the second wicket.
Parmar anchored the innings with a patient 24 off 51 balls, but early collapses saw Japan slump to 72 for 4. Captain Kazuma Kato Stafford and Charles Hinje then resurrected the innings with a crucial 68-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Hinje starred with a resolute 57 off 70 balls, including four boundaries and a six.
The lower order fought back valiantly, with Gabriel Hinje (44) and Skylar Nakayama Cook (30) smashing 62 runs for the eighth wicket in just 50 balls. This late surge gave Japan a defendable total. Ireland’s Oliver Riley and Adam Lecky claimed three wickets each, while Samuel Haslett took two.
Chasing 248, Ireland’s openers James West and Freddie Ogilvie laid a solid foundation, racing to 48 in 8.2 overs. West fell for 19, but Ogilvie combined brilliantly with Lecky for a match-defining 95-run second-wicket stand, taking the score to 143.
Lecky’s 44 off 57 balls set the platform, while Ogilvie anchored with a classy 73, featuring two sixes and four fours. Sebastian Dijksman provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 55. Japan’s bowlers fought hard, with Kato Stafford and Timothy Moore grabbing two wickets apiece, and Nikhil Pol and Charles Hinje chipping in with one each.
Ireland’s composure under pressure sealed their progression to Super-6, ending Japan’s campaign on a disappointing note after three straight losses. With one win from three, Ireland now looks ahead to bigger challenges in the tournament.