Ben Mayes Smashes Record 191 as England Demolish Scotland by 252 Runs; Omarzai's 5-9 Destroys Tanzania in U19 World Cup

The Under-19 World Cup 2026 witnessed a day of complete domination in Harare on Wednesday, as Ben Mayes etched his name into England cricket history with a scintillating 191 off just 117 balls. In the other Group D encounter, Afghanistan continued their remarkable tournament run with a comprehensive nine-wicket demolition of Tanzania, spearheaded by Nooristani Omarzai's devastating 5 for 9.

England vs Scotland: Mayes' Record-Breaking Masterclass

A New England Benchmark

When Scotland won the toss and elected to field first, little did they know they were about to witness history in the making. Ben Mayes delivered the highest individual score by an England batter in Youth ODIs, falling just one run short of the all-time Under-19 World Cup record.

The right-hander's innings was a perfect blend of aggression and calculated stroke-play. He reached his half-century off just 33 balls in the 13th over, signaling his intent early. The reverse sweep became his signature shot, executed with precision both along the ground and aerially past short third.

The Match-Defining Partnership

Mayes found an able ally in Joseph Moores, and together they constructed a devastating 188-run stand for the second wicket off merely 129 deliveries. England's intent was clear from the outset, as they plundered 75 runs in the first powerplay.

Moores contributed a valuable 81 before finding the deep midwicket fielder off Finlay Jones in the 25th over. By that point, Mayes had already brought up his century in just 65 balls, leaving Scotland searching for answers.

The Numbers That Tell the Story

A dropped catch by Finlay Carter when Mayes was on 118 proved costly, as the English opener proceeded to pile on the agony. His final tally included:

• 191 runs off 117 balls
• 18 fours and 8 sixes
• A strike rate exceeding 163

England's total of 404 for 6 was always going to be insurmountable.

Scotland's Struggles in the Chase

The Scottish innings was a study in contrast. While they survived the first powerplay without losing a wicket, they managed only 33 runs—a defensive approach that failed to build any momentum. From a relatively stable 38 without loss, Scotland imploded, losing 4 wickets for just 14 runs.

Finlay Carter top-scored with 34, but meaningful contributions were scarce. Caleb Falconer was the pick of England's bowlers with 3 for 19, while Manny Lumsden (2-17) and Ralphie Albert provided excellent support as Scotland were bundled out for 152 in 44.5 overs.

The 252-run victory meant England concluded the group stage with a perfect record of three wins from three matches, while Scotland finished with two defeats and a washout.

Afghanistan vs Tanzania: Omarzai's Demolition Job

A Dream Tournament Continues

Having already toppled South Africa and West Indies in the group stage, Afghanistan showed no mercy against Tanzania. Seamer Nooristani Omarzai produced a spell for the ages, claiming 5 for 9 as Tanzania crumbled to just 85 all out.

Tanzania's Batting Woes

The African side's struggles were evident from the first ball. They limped to 14 runs in the powerplay, playing out two maiden overs while losing two wickets. The situation worsened when Rehaan Ahtif retired hurt in the 16th over.

Augustino Mwamele and captain Laksh Bakrania attempted to stabilize the innings, adding 35 for the fourth wicket to take the score to 66 for 3 in the 29th over. However, that proved to be Tanzania's last stand.

The Decisive Collapse

What followed was a complete capitulation. Tanzania lost their final 7 wickets for just 19 runs in 7.1 overs. Offspinner Uzairullah Niazai claimed two crucial wickets during this period, including the prized scalp of captain Bakrania. Notably, Afghanistan conceded 25 extras—without which Tanzania's total would have been even more embarrassing. Only three Tanzanian batters reached double figures.

Shinozada Finishes the Job in Style

Chasing 86 for victory, Afghanistan lost Khalid Ahmadzai for 14 in the fifth over but had already reached 27 by the end of that over. Faisal Shinozada took charge, racing to 34 off 23 balls by the end of the powerplay, including six boundaries.

Shinozada remained unbeaten on 55 off 34 balls, hitting nine fours and a six as Afghanistan completed the chase with nine wickets and a staggering 224 balls to spare.

Looking Ahead: Super Six Stage Beckons

Both England and Afghanistan have made emphatic statements heading into the knockout rounds. England's batting depth, highlighted by the Mayes-Moores partnership, makes them a formidable force. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's bowling attack, led by the exceptional Omarzai, has proven capable of dismantling any opposition.

As the tournament progresses to the Super Six stage, these two sides will be among the favorites to challenge for the title. The quality on display in Harare suggests that the 2026 Under-19 World Cup is shaping up to be a memorable edition.