In a high-scoring Super Six encounter at Harare Sports Club, Australia clinched a thrilling 22-run win over West Indies to secure their spot in the Under-19 World Cup 2026 semifinals. Captain Oliver Peak’s gritty 109 anchored a massive 314 for 7, setting up a tense chase that the Caribbean side couldn’t quite pull off.
Batting first after losing the toss, Australia’s innings exploded early. Will Malajczuk (48 off 30, 8×4, 2×6) and Nitesh Samuel (56 off 74, 6×4) forged a 73-run opening stand. Samuel’s departure triggered Peak’s masterclass – 109 off 117 balls (9×4, 1×6) – bolstered by 69 runs with Alex Lee Young (45) and 47 with Zaden Draper (29).
West Indies’ Jakim Pollard (2/xx) and RJC Gittens (2/xx), along with Vitell Lodge and Mika Mackenzie (1 each), fought back but couldn’t restrict the damage.
Needing 315 in 50 overs, West Indies’ openers Zachary Carter (64) and Tanez Francis (27) raced to 88 in 11.3 overs. Joshua Dorne’s 62 provided hope, with Jewel Andrew (44) and Kunal Tilokani (35) contributing, but the lower order crumbled. Charles Latchamun’s 4-wicket haul, plus 2 each from Hayden Schiller and Aryan Sharma, sealed Australia’s dominance at 292 for 9.
Leading Group 1, Australia advances to the February 3 semifinal in Bulawayo. This win eliminates South Africa and Ireland, keeping the Aussies on track for glory.
