Harare, Jan 28 (.) Australia Under-19 marched into the semifinals undefeated after registering a tense 22-run victory over West Indies Under-19 in the 7th match of Super Six Group 1 (A,D) of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 at the Harare Sports Club here today, with skipper Oliver Peake producing a knock of both class and drama.
Asked to bat first, Australia U19 piled up an imposing 314 for 7, built around Peake’s superb 109 off 117 balls. The Australian captain brought up his century in emphatic fashion in the 49th over, shuffling across and dispatching a slot delivery from Shaquan Belle straight down the ground for six.
Peake removed his helmet, raised his bat, kissed the badge and let out a roar, soaking in applause from the dressing room as he marked the milestone that underlined his growing stature in the tournament.
Peake continued to find the boundary at the death, pulling Belle for four in the same over, before his innings ended in dramatic fashion off the final ball of the innings. Driving a very full delivery to long-off, Peake set off for a risky second run but was caught just short of the crease by a sharp, flat throw, with wicketkeeper Jewel Andrew whipping off the bails to complete a fine run-out, Peake walking back for 109.
Earlier, Australia made full use of the Powerplay through Will Malajczuk, who set the tone with an explosive 48 off just 30 balls, peppering the boundary with eight fours and two sixes. Nitesh Samuel steadied the innings with a well-paced 56, while Alex Lee Young added impetus later with a fluent 45 that included two towering sixes as Australia surged past 300.
For West Indies, RJai Gittens and Jakeem Pollard claimed two wickets apiece, but the bowlers found it difficult to stem the flow, especially during Australia’s boundary-filled finish.
In reply, West Indies U19 mounted a strong chase and remained in contention for much of the innings, reaching 292 for 9 at the end of 50 overs. Zachary Carter led the early charge with a blistering 64 off 42 balls, while Andrew struck a lively 44. Skipper Joshua Dorne anchored the middle overs with a patient 62, keeping West Indies in the hunt despite regular setbacks.
Australia struck back at key moments, with Charles Lachmund emerging as the standout bowler, returning figures of 4 for 66, while Hayden Schiller picked up two crucial wickets. Despite a late surge that took West Indies close to the target, Australia held their nerve in the closing overs to seal a hard-earned win.
The victory further strengthens Australia Under-19’s position in Super Six Group 1, while West Indies will look to bounce back quickly as the competition moves into its decisive phase.
Brief Scores
Australia U19 314/7 in 50 overs
Oliver Peake 109, Nitesh Samuel 56, Will Malajczuk 48
RJai Gittens 2/45, Jakeem Pollard 2/37
West Indies U19 292/9 in 50 overs
Zachary Carter 64, Joshua Dorne 62, Jewel Andrew 44
Charles Lachmund 4/66, Hayden Schiller 2/54
Result: Australia U19 won by 22 runs
Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
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