In a dominant display at the High Performance Oval in Windhoek, Japan scripted a thrilling nine-wicket victory over Tanzania in the Under-19 World Cup 2026 playoff match for the 13th position. This emphatic win on Saturday marked the end of both teams’ campaigns in the tournament, as they bowed out without advancing further.
Tanzania, opting to bat after winning the toss, struggled from the outset. They lost opener Karim Rashid for a duck in the second over, leaving them reeling at 2 for 1. Acre Hugo and Ayan Sharif then steadied the innings with a gritty 79-run stand for the second wicket, pushing the score to 81. Hugo’s aggressive knock of 55 off 77 balls, featuring three sixes and three fours, came to an end, but not before giving his side some momentum.
Ayan Sharif carried on, adding 37 more runs for the third wicket alongside Rehan Atif, who scored 16. Sharif top-scored with 40 off 89 deliveries, including a solitary four, but Tanzania folded for just 131 in 38.3 overs. Japan’s bowlers were relentless, with Nihar Parmar claiming an impressive four wickets. Nikhil Pol supported with three scalps, and Charles Hinje picked up two.
Chasing a modest target, Japan openers Nihar Parmar and Taylor W made light work of the chase. Their masterful 122-run partnership off 162 balls set the tone, propelling Japan to the brink of victory. Taylor fell for 47 via a run-out, but Parmar remained unbeaten on 53 from 74 balls, laced with four boundaries. Nikhil Pol finished not out on 12, as Japan romped home in 28.2 overs.
This result eliminates both Japan and Tanzania from title contention, joining Scotland and the USA on the sidelines. The latter two will clash in playoff-2 on January 26. Meanwhile, the Super-6 stage heats up with South Africa, Ireland, Afghanistan, West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Australia in Group 1, and India grouped with Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, England, Pakistan, and New Zealand in Group 2.