HARARE: Australia took one step closer to defending their ICC Under-19 World Cup title as they sealed a semi-final berth with a thrilling 22-run win over the West Indies on Wednesday.

Put into bat, Australia rode on captain Oliver Peake’s 109 to post an imposing 314-7 before restricting the West Indies to 292-9 at the Harare Sports Club to become the first team to punch their ticket to the last-four after opening an unassailable lead with eight points from four matches in Group 1 of the Super Six round. West Indies remain in contention alongside Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

Australian openers Will Malajczuk (48) and Nitesh Samuel (56) combined for a 73-run partnership before Peake struck nine fours and a six in his century to take Australia past 300, with Alex Lee Young (45) and Jayden Draper (29) chipping in with vital contributions lower down the order. Jakeem Pollard was the pick of the bowlers with 2-37.

West Indies opener Zachary Carter struck seven fours and four sixes in a blazing 64, putting on 88 for the first wicket with Tanez Francis. Leg-spinner Naden Cooray cleaned up Carter to stop West Indies’ momentum before Joshua Dorne (62) and Jewel Andrew (44) kept their side in the hunt.

However, Hayden Schiller dismissed both the set batters and Australia were eventually able to close out the victory.

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2026