In a dominant display at the Namibia Cricket Ground, Australia’s Will Malazuk shattered records by smashing the fastest century in Under-19 World Cup history, propelling his team to an 8-wicket victory against Japan in Group A.
Malazuk’s explosive 102 off just 55 balls, featuring 12 fours and 5 sixes, eclipsed the previous mark set by Pakistan’s Qasim Akram, who needed 63 deliveries against Sri Lanka in 2022. This blistering knock came off a mere 51 balls for the ton, marking a new benchmark in youth cricket’s premier tournament.
Japan, electing to bat first after winning the toss, struggled to build momentum. Hugo Tawi Kelly anchored the innings with an unbeaten 79 off 135 balls, supported by Nihar Parman’s 33, Montgomery Hara Hinje’s 29, Charlie Hara-Hinje’s 24, and 30 extras. They closed at 201/8 in 50 overs.
Australia’s bowlers struck early and often. Naden Kore led with 3/31 in 10 overs, while Will Byrom claimed 2 wickets. Aryan Sharma and Kase Barton chipped in with one each, keeping Japan’s total within reach.
Chasing 202, Australia openers Malazuk and Nitesh Samuel laid the foundation with a 135-run stand in 15.3 overs. Malazuk fell soon after his milestone, but Nitesh remained not out on 60 from 73 balls. Steven Hogan added 15 off 20, and Tom Hogan finished unbeaten on 19 off 27 as Australia reached 204/2 in 29.1 overs—winning with 125 balls to spare.
Malazuk’s match-winning performance earned him Player of the Match honors, underscoring Australia’s supremacy in the group stage. This result strengthens their position as favorites to advance, while Japan faces an uphill battle.