Australia cruise past SA and the West Indies too strong for Ireland

Australia continued their form at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 as they opened the Super Six stage with a win over South Africa.

More good bowling saw them skittle the Proteas for 118 on their way to a six-wicket victory.

Meanwhile, rain affected the tournament’s other encounter, but the West Indies did enough to record a 25-run success (DLS) over Ireland.

Aussie bowling sets platform for Super Six success

After three wins from three in the group stages, Australia kicked off their Super Six campaign with a six-wicket win over South Africa in Windhoek.

As had been the case last time out against Sri Lanka, the Australian seamers did the damage early, with Charles Lachmund trapping Armaan Manack leg before for one off the second ball of the innings.

Lachmund (3/29) and Will Byrom (2/16) combined to reduce South Africa to 37 for four, including getting the all-important wicket of Jason Rowles for six.

Jorich van Schalkwyk watched the carnage unfold from his end, but having made 26, he was brilliantly run out by a direct hit from Jayden Draper.

The wickets continued to tumble, with Paul James, providing almost the only resistance, but when he was dismissed for 34, the innings concluded, South Africa bowled out for just 118 in 32.1 overs.

Australia took no chances in reply, losing Will Malajczuk early to JJ Basson (3/41), to bring Steven Hogan to the crease.

The in-form batter made 43 from 73 deliveries, and while Basson and Bayanda Majola kept the run-rate down, the target was always within reach.

There could have been a wobble after Hogan’s departure, but Draper and Alex Lee Young each added an unbeaten 21 to see Australia home.

West Indies spin their way past Ireland

Spinner Micah McKenzie and Vitel Lawes helped the West Indies past Ireland by 25 runs (DLS method) in a rain-affected encounter.

Having elected to bat, it was full international Jewel Andrew who anchored the West Indian innings, making 66 off 82, including a 67-run fourth-wicket stand with Jonathan Van Lange (28).

Reuben Wilson (3/50) broke that partnership, having earlier run out opener Zachary Carter.

But while many of the West Indian batters got starts, only Andrew kicked on. Aadian Racha managed 28 like Van Lange, including a handy final-wicket stand with Lawes, to help the West Indies to 226 all out.

In reply, Racha removed Freddie Ogilby for 14 after the openers had added 47, while fellow opener James West made 45 before he was bowled by Lawes, followed shortly after Adam Leckey (18).

There was an initial short rain delay with the game evenly poised, Ireland on 118 for four, but after play resumed, McKenzie took the important wicket of Marko Bates (22) to end a 38-run stand, before he also removed Robert O’Brien (26), the other set batter, finishing with figures of 4/36 from his 10 overs.

Fellow spinner Lawes (2/41) continued to turn the screw and more rain left Ireland stranded on 164 for seven after 40 overs.

Scores in brief

Australia v South Africa – Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek

South Africa 118 all out 32.1 overs (Paul James 34, Jorich van Schalkwyk 26; Charles Lachmund 3/29, William Byrom 2/16)

Australia 122/4 in 32.5 overs (Steven Hogan 43, Jayden Draper 21 not out; JJ Basson 3/41, Bayanda Majola 1/23)

Result: Australia win by six wickets

West Indies v Ireland – High Performance Oval, Windhoek

West Indies 226 all out in 46.5 overs (Jewel Andrew 66, Jonathan Van Lange 28; Reuben Wilson 3/50, James West 2/24)

Ireland 164/7 in 40 overs (James West 45, Robert O’Brien 26; Micah McKenzie 4/26, Vitel Lawes 2/41)

Result: West Indies win by 25 runs (DLS)

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