HARARE: Australia maintained their perfect record at the U-19 World Cup 2026 with a crushing nine-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, while Bangladesh booked their place in the Super Six stage with a seven-wicket win over the United States on Wednesday.

In their final Group ‘A’ fixture, Australia skittled Sri Lanka for a paltry 58, with William Byrom leading the attack with a five-wicket haul, to finish top of the group with three wins from three matches.

Earlier, Bangladesh prevailed in a virtual knockout clash in Harare, where skipper Azizul Hakim Takim struck 64 to guide his side past the USA.

Sri Lanka never recovered from an early collapse triggered by Australia’s seamers. Charles Lachmund struck twice in his third over to leave Sri Lanka reeling before Byrom ran through the middle order, claiming four wickets as the innings crumbled to 30 for six.

Although Chamika Heent­igala offered brief resistance with 14, Sri Lanka were eventually dismissed for 58, with Byrom returning to pick up his fifth wicket. Hayden Schi­ller and Kasey Barton supported the effort with tidy spells.

Australia’s chase was straightforward despite losing Will Malajczuk for four in the opening over. Steven Hogan (28 not out) and Nitesh Samuel (19 not out) then added an unbroken 58-run stand to complete the formalities inside 12 overs.

In Harare, Bangladesh produced a composed performance to beat the USA by seven wickets in a winner-takes-all contest for a Super Six berth.

Put in to bat, the USA were rocked early before Sahil Garg (35) and Utkarsh Srivastava (39) steadied the innings with a 51-run stand. Bangladesh struck back through Shahriar Ahmed and Iqbal Hossain, and the USA slipped to 128 for seven.

Adnit Jhamb, however, staged a fine counterattack, finishing unbeaten on 68 to lift his side to 199, all out off the final ball.

Bangladesh began their reply in positive fashion as Zawad Abrar struck 47 in a 78-run opening stand. After the fall of both openers, Azizul Hakim Takim took control of the chase, sharing an 88-run partnership with Kalam Siddiki Aleen (30 not out).

Azizul was eventually dismissed for 64 with 24 still required, but Rizan Hossan, who had earlier taken two wickets, struck a brisk 20 to see Bangladesh home with little fuss.

Published in Dawn, January 24th, 2026