Harare, January 28 – Australia has stormed into the semifinals of the Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 with a commanding 22-run victory over West Indies in their Super Six clash. Captain Oliver Peak’s masterful century proved decisive as the young Aussies defended a mammoth total at Harare Sports Club.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, West Indies faced a formidable Australian batting lineup that piled up 314 for 7 in 50 overs. Openers Will Malajczuk and Nitesh Samuel set the tone with a brisk 73-run stand in just 9 overs. Malajczuk’s explosive 48 off 30 balls, featuring 8 fours and 2 sixes, gave way to a solid partnership between Samuel and skipper Peak.
Samuel anchored the innings with 56 off 74 balls (6×4), adding 85 runs for the third wicket with Peak. The captain then unleashed, racing to 109 off 117 balls with 9 fours and a six. His partnerships with Alex Lee Young (45) for 69 runs and Zaden Draper (29) for 47 runs pushed Australia to an imposing score.
West Indies bowlers Jakim Pollard and RJC Gittens claimed 2 wickets apiece, but it wasn’t enough to stem the flow.
Chasing 315, West Indies started strongly with openers Tanez Francis (27) and Zachary Carter (64) putting on 88 in 11.3 overs. Captain Joshua Dorne fought valiantly with 62, supported by Jewel Andrew’s 44 and Kunal Tilokani’s 35. Yet, they fell short at 292 for 9.
Australia’s Charles Latchamun starred with 4 wickets, while Hayden Schiller and Aryan Sharma grabbed 2 each. Now atop Super Six Group 1, Australia awaits their semifinal opponent on February 3 at Bulawayo’s Queens Sports Club. South Africa and Ireland are eliminated from title contention.