England and Afghanistan registered commanding victories in the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, while rain forced a no-result between New Zealand and the USA in a match highlighted by a brilliant century from Nitish Sudini.
England produced a clinical all-round performance against Zimbabwe. After opting to bowl, England struck early as Zimbabwe lost both openers for just eight runs. Partnerships between Kian Blignaut and Dhruv Patel, and later Patel with Tatenda Chimugoro, provided some stability. Captain Simbarashe Mudzengerere carried his bat, but Zimbabwe were restricted to 208 in 50 overs. In reply, England overcame early setbacks before captain Thomas Rew (86*) and Ben Mayes (77*) guided a comfortable eight-wicket win in just 28 overs, putting England close to Super Six qualification.
Afghanistan dominated West Indies with bat and ball. Openers Khalid Ahmadzai and Osman Sadat added 86 runs, while Sadat (88) and captain Mehboob Taskin powered Afghanistan to 262/6. Despite three-wicket hauls from Jakeem Pollard and Vitel Lawes, West Indies struggled in the chase. Jewel Andrew’s half-century was the lone resistance as Afghanistan’s bowlers bundled them out for 124, sealing a massive 138-run victory and confirming a Super Six spot.
In the third match, USA recovered from 40/5 thanks to Nitish Sudini’s unbeaten 117, lifting them to 253. However, rain washed out New Zealand’s chase, resulting in shared points.
