WINDHOEK: Australia made light work of Japan in the Under-19 Cricket World Cup Group A clash, cruising to an 8-wicket triumph thanks to Will Malazuk’s unprecedented 51-ball century—the quickest ever in the tournament’s history.
Opting to bowl first after Japan won the toss, Australia’s attack was clinical. Naden Kore’s 3/31 headlined the effort, with Will Byrom (2 wickets), Aryan Sharma, and Kase Barton picking up one apiece. Japan limped to 201/8, powered by Hugo Tawi Kelly’s gritty 79* off 135 deliveries, alongside contributions from Nihar Parman (33), Montgomery Hara Hinje (29), and Charlie Hara-Hinje (24), plus 30 extras.
The chase was a spectacle. Malazuk and Nitesh Samuel tore apart the bowling with a 135-run opening partnership in just 15.3 overs. Malazuk’s 102 (55 balls, 12×4, 5×6) broke Qasim Akram’s 63-ball record from 2022. He departed shortly after, but Nitesh’s unbeaten 60 (73 balls) and Tom Hogan’s 19* (27 balls) saw Australia home at 204/2 in 29.1 overs.
Steven Hogan chipped in with 15 off 20. The emphatic win, with over 20 overs remaining, highlights Australia’s batting firepower and bowling discipline. Malazuk walked away with Player of the Match, a fitting reward for rewriting history on the Windhoek pitch.
As the tournament progresses, this performance signals Australia’s intent to defend their title, leaving Japan to regroup for tougher challenges ahead.
