Bangladesh Cruise Past USA, Australia Crush Sri Lanka
Some sensational bowling set Australia up for a third win from three matches at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 while Bangladesh booked their place in the Super Six.
William Byrom was the pick of the bowlers for Australia, taking five wickets as they bowled out Sri Lanka for just 58 and cruised to top spot in Group A.
Meanwhile, in Harare, Bangladesh overcame the USA by seven wickets as skipper Azizul Hakim Takim scored 64 in what was effectively a winner-takes-all battle for qualification.
Bangladesh Under-19s produced a composed all-round performance to secure a seven-wicket victory over the United States of America Under-19s in their ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 clash at Takashinga Sports Club, Harare, on Friday.
After winning the toss and opting to field, Bangladesh made early inroads into the USA batting line-up on a surface that offered steady bounce and reward for disciplined bowling. USA’s innings never quite found sustained momentum, despite a fighting effort in the middle and lower order, and they were eventually dismissed for 199 in the final over of their 50 overs.
The USA suffered a shaky start, losing Amrinder Gill in the second over before Arjun Mahesh followed soon after, leaving them 6 for two. Sahil Garg and Utkarsh Srivastava attempted to rebuild with a measured partnership, adding stability through cautious strokeplay. Garg struck 35 from 60 balls, while Srivastava top-scored among the top order with a patient 39, but both were unable to convert their starts into commanding innings.
Bangladesh’s bowlers maintained consistent pressure, led superbly by Iqbal Hossain Emon, who was deservedly named Player of the Match. His figures of 3 for 41 from 10 overs reflected his ability to strike at key moments while keeping the scoring rate in check. Shahriar Ahmed and Md Rizan Hossan provided excellent support, each claiming two wickets and ensuring the USA never fully escaped.
The standout contribution for the USA came from Adnit Jhamb, whose unbeaten 68 off 69 balls gave the innings much-needed impetus in the closing stages. His composed knock, featuring timely boundaries and smart running, lifted the total close to 200 after the USA had slumped to 128 for seven. A late cameo from Adit Kappa, who made 16, also helped push the score to a competitive-looking 199, though it ultimately proved insufficient.
In reply, Bangladesh Under-19s approached the chase with maturity and clarity. Opener Zawad Abrar set the tone with an aggressive 47 from just 42 deliveries, combining clean hitting with assured placement before being caught and bowled by Sahil Garg. Rifat Beg then anchored the innings with a steady 30, ensuring Bangladesh remained on track despite the loss of early wickets.
The defining partnership came through Azizul Hakim Tamim, who compiled a well-paced 64 from 82 balls. His innings balanced caution with controlled aggression, allowing Bangladesh to steadily close in on the target. Kalam Siddiki Aleen provided calm support with an unbeaten 30, while Md Rizan Hossan finished the chase in style, striking two sixes in his quickfire 20 not out.
Bangladesh reached 201 for three in 41.3 overs, sealing a comfortable seven-wicket win and underlining their depth and discipline, while the USA will reflect on a spirited effort that ultimately lacked consistency at crucial moments.
Scores in brief
Sri Lanka v Australia – Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
Sri Lanka 58 all out 18.5 overs (Chamika Heentigala 14; William Byrom 5/14, Kasey Barton 2/13)
Australia 62/1 in 12 overs (Steven Hogan 28 not out, Nitesh Samuel 19 not out; Rasith Nimsara 1/20)
Result: Australia win by nine wickets
Bangladesh v USA – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
USA 199 all out in 50 overs (Adnit Jhamb 68 not out, Utkarsh Srivastava 39; Iqbal Hossain 3/41, Rizan Hossan 2/27)
Bangladesh 201/3 in 41.3 overs (Azizul Hakim Takim 64, Zawad Abrar 47; Ritvik Appidi 1/27, Sahil Garg 1/32)
Result: Bangladesh win by seven wickets
