HARARE: Australia recorded a comfortable win against Japan in their second match of the U-19 World Cup to book a place in the Super 6s on Tuesday. Meanwhile, points were shared again in Bulawayo after the game between New Zealand and Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain.

Japan opted to bat first after winning the toss and despite losing Nikhil Pol early, were able to set a platform to post a competitive score on the board.

Nihar Parmar and Hugo Tani-Kelly built a solid 58-run partnership that was ended by a smart piece of Australian fielding as Parmar was run out on 33. But Tani-Kelly, the centurion in the last game, was in fine form and continued to aid the Japanese cause.

He was supported well by Charles Hinze after the departure of Parmar, adding 24 runs off 22 balls.

However, after his dismissal, Tani-Kelly kept running out of partners until Montgomery Hinze, whose 29 off 51 allowed Tani-Kelly to take Japan’s score past the 200-run mark

Tani-Kelly was the pillar of the Japanese innings as he remained unbeaten on 79, setting the defending champions a target of 202.

Australia’s opening pair sniffed out any chance of a threat in the second innings with a power-packed opening partnership.

Will Malajczuk and Nitesh Samuel posted a 135-run stand in just 15 overs to put Australia on course for the win.

Malajczuk scored a 51-ball hundred to record the fastest-ever century in U-19 World Cup history. His knock of 102 in 55 deliveries gave Australia enough momentum for them cruise to a win.

Samuel remained unbeaten on 60 as Australia eased to an eight-wicket win to book their place in the Super 6s.

Australia next face Sri Lanka, who also have a perfect record in the tournament so far on Friday while Japan take on Ireland on Thursday.

New Zealand and Bangladesh had to settle for a share of the spoils after rain only allowed 10 overs of play on Tuesday.

Bangladesh had asked New Zealand to bat first after winning the toss and the Kiwis had got off to a good start thanks to Aryandeep Mann and captain Thomas Jones, who came in after the loss of Hugo Bogue’s wicket.

However, the heavens opened at the end of the 10th over, allowing no further play as the game was called off.

This is New Zealand’s second straight game that has been abandoned due to rain. They next face India on Saturday, while Bangladesh take on USA a day earlier.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2026