U19 World Cup 2026: England Extend Unbeaten Streak, Sri Lanka Hand Afghanistan First Defeat

The ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026 witnessed pivotal action as England and Sri Lanka claimed crucial victories in the Super Six stage, reshaping the semi-final race. England's dominant seven-wicket win over Bangladesh propelled them to the top of Group 2, while Sri Lanka stunned Afghanistan with a four-wicket triumph, handing them their first defeat of the tournament.

England's Dominant Display Against Bangladesh

Bowling Excellence Sets the Tone

England's clinical performance began the moment Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat. The decision backfired spectacularly as opener Zawad Abrar fell in the very first over, slashing a delivery from Sebastian Morgan straight to the fielder at deep third man.

Rifat Beg (31 off 36) and Azizul Hakim Tamim (20 off 46) attempted to stabilize the innings after the early breakthrough, but England's incisive bowling and exceptional fielding proved too much. Bangladesh were eventually bundled out for a modest 136 in 38.1 overs, with only Md Abdullah (25 off 34) offering late resistance.

Morgan was the standout performer with the ball, claiming three wickets for 28 runs from his seven overs. Left-arm spinner Ralphie Albert and medium pacer Manny Lumsden provided excellent support, capturing two wickets apiece.

Thomas Rew Leads the Chase

While Bangladesh managed to remove Joseph Moores early in the chase, the total was never going to be enough. Thomas Rew delivered a Player of the Match performance, continuing his fine work in the field with a commanding 59 not out with the bat.

England cruised to victory in just 24.1 overs with seven wickets in hand, as Caleb Falconer sealed the win with a sweep for four. This marks England's fourth consecutive victory in the tournament, and they now sit atop Group 2 with six points from three matches.

Sri Lanka End Afghanistan's Perfect Record

Disciplined Bowling Restricts Afghanistan

In Windhoek, Namibia, Sri Lanka's decision to field first after winning the toss proved inspired. Pacer Sethmika Seneviratne struck early, dismissing Khalid Ahmadzai to put Afghanistan on the back foot.

The Sri Lankan bowling attack maintained pressure throughout, eventually dismissing Afghanistan for 193 in 49.5 overs. Osman Sadat top-scored with a patient 61, while Aziz Mia Khil contributed an attacking 43 that included five boundaries.

Left-arm spinner Viran Chamuditha was the pick of the bowlers, delivering an economical spell of 2/20 from his 10 overs, keeping Afghanistan's scoring rate in check throughout the middle overs.

Nervy Chase Navigated by Heenatigala

Afghanistan struck in the first over through Abdul Aziz, who removed Chamuditha to give their bowlers early hope. Sri Lanka responded through partnerships from Dimantha Mahavithana (37) and Senuja Wekunagoda (43), but Afghanistan continued to make the chase difficult.

It was all-rounder Chamika Heenatigala who held his nerve in the tense final phase, remaining unbeaten on 22 to guide Sri Lanka home in 46.5 overs. The result leaves Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and West Indies all locked on four points in Group 1, with Afghanistan maintaining top spot due to superior net run-rate.

USA End Campaign on a High Note

Adnit Jhamb's Stunning Century

In the 13-16th place play-off, the USA wrapped up their tournament in style with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Scotland. Chasing 237, the Americans were inspired by a magnificent unbeaten 116 from Adnit Jhamb.

Scotland had earlier posted 236 in their 50 overs, built around Theo Robinson's impressive 83. Robinson featured in a 57-run opening partnership with Olly Pillinger (23) and a crucial 89-run stand with Manu Saraswat (41) for the fourth wicket. Jake Woodhouse's handy 28 lower down helped Scotland past the 200-mark.

The USA bowling attack was led by medium pacers Ritvik Appidi and Rayaan Taj. Taj removed Scotland's top three, while Appidi was the standout with four wickets for 54 runs.

Jhamb and Srivastava Seal Victory

Jhamb's innings of 116 not out off just 93 balls was a masterclass in controlled aggression. His knock featured 14 fours and a six, with the final boundary proving to be the winning stroke. Together with captain Utkarsh Srivastava (52), Jhamb put together a match-winning 129-run partnership for the third wicket.

The USA reached their target of 239 for three in 38.4 overs, ending their World Cup journey on a positive note.

Looking Ahead: Semi-Final Picture Takes Shape

Group 2 Standings

England's position at the top of Group 2 with six points puts them firmly in control of their semi-final destiny. Their next challenge comes against New Zealand on Friday, where a victory would all but confirm their place in the final four.

Group 1 Remains Wide Open

The battle in Group 1 has intensified following Sri Lanka's victory over Afghanistan. With three teams locked on four points, the remaining fixtures will prove decisive. Afghanistan's superior net run-rate gives them an advantage, but they can no longer afford any slip-ups.

The tournament continues to deliver compelling cricket as the world's best young talents battle for glory on the biggest stage in youth cricket.