Afghanistan underlined their growing stature at the Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026 with a commanding 138-run victory over the West Indies in Windhoek. Coming off a confidence-boosting win against South Africa, Afghanistan produced another all-round performance to firmly establish themselves as early contenders in the tournament.
Batting first, Afghanistan scored a healthy 262 for 6, anchored by outstanding knocks from Osman Sadat (88) and captain Mahboob Khan (86). Khan was in aggressive form at the helm as he struck 10 fours and two sixes in his 69-ball stay to give impetus to the scoring. The West Indies bowlers shared the spoils rather evenly, Jakeem Pollard and Vitel Lawes picking up three wickets apiece.
Afghan Bowlers Run Riot in the Chase
West Indies never found momentum in reply. Early on, Wahidullah Zadran rocked the top order, removing both openers cheaply before bowling skipper Joshua Dorne for a duck as West Indies found themselves reeling at 21 for 3.
Youngster Jewel Andrew 57 was stubborn, but he received no help as wickets fell around him. Nooristani Omarzai bowled a spell of 7.2-2-16-4, cutting through the middle order, before Khatir Stanikzai weighed in with three of his own. The West Indies were eventually bowled out well adrift of the target to seal another famous Men’s Under-19 World Cup win for Afghanistan.
Men’s Under-19 World Cup: England Outclass Hosts Zimbabwe
At Harare, England made a clinical display to overwhelm the host, Zimbabwe. After deciding to bowl, the England bowlers collectively ensured that Zimbabwe reached only 208 for 9.
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Manny Lumsden (3/38) was the aggressor with the bat, but he was well-supported by Ralphie Albert (2/49) and Farhan Ahmed (2/33). The Zimbabwean middle-order was also shown to have fight with contributions from Dhruv Patel (36), Tatenda Chimugoro (30), Kian Blignaut (33), and Simbarashe Mudzengerere (45).
Rew and Mayes Seal Comprehensive England Win
The response from England was domineering. Despite losing their openers quickly, captain Thomas Rew (86*) and Ben Mayes (77*) did not let the opposition have anything out of the chase.
The pair amassed an unbeaten partnership of 167 runs for the third wicket while facing just over a run a ball with four sixes each. England eased to a victory with eight wickets down and 22 overs to go, thereby proving their might and depth in the Under-19 Men’s World Cup.
Rain Forces Abandonment in New Zealand vs USA Clash
The Men’s Under-19 World Cup match between New Zealand and USA that was being held in Bulawayo was cut short by heavy rains. Batting first, USA had a shaky start courtesy of the opening duo Flynn Morey and Mason Clarke, who tore apart the USA top order from 22/0 to 40/5.
But what was most astonishing was the rescue act of Nitish Sudini’s blistering 117 not out. Support was also provided by Shiv Shani with 33 and Adit Kappa with 40. USA was forced to bat out the entire allocation of overs to reach a decent score of 253/9.
Weather Has the Final Say
New Zealand was left with only one over in which Hugo Bogue scored four and six, after which heavy rain forced the cessation of the match. After more than two hours of persistent rain, the match was officially abandoned, and both teams were awarded points.
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