Under-19 World Cup 2026, Day 2 Round-up: Afghanistan stun South Africa; England, Australia triumph

Australia began their title defence at the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup with an eight-wicket victory over Ireland in a one-sided clash. England, on the other hand, trumped Pakistan by 37 runs despite setting up a modest target batting first. The biggest highlight of the day, however, was Afghanistan's stunning victory over South Africa.

England seamers work their magic against Pakistan

After opting to bowl, Pakistan bowlers chipped in with regular wickets against England in Harare, restricting their opponents to a subpar 210 on a sluggish track with low bounce. Ali Raza saw the back of Joe Moores while Ahmed Hussain removed Ben Dawkins (33). Hussain added one more to his tally soon, undoing Ben Mayes for 20 before captain Thomas Rew walked back for 14 to leave England in trouble.

Caleb Falconer joined forces with Ralphie Albert to stabilise the innings with an 80-run stand before Hussain (3/38) dismissed Albert for 25 as his third wicket. Soon afterwards, Falconer nicked Ali Raza behind to fall for 66. Sebastian Morgan and Farhan Ahmed also made a little contribution.

Out to chase a below-par target, Pakistan lost Sameer Minhas for 10 as Alex Green struck early. He then removed the other opener, Mohammad Shayan, before Usman was dismissed to leave Pakistan in complete disarray. Ahmed Hussain could not back up his bowling performance with the bat, falling lbw to Farhan Ahmed for 12.

Huzaifa Ahsan miscued an Albert full toss to be caught for 17. Captain Farhan Yousaf continued to fight, adding 48 with Abdul Subhan, but that was the only support he got from the other end. Yousaf took his chance to attack but played one shot too many to be caught off James Minto for 65 off 86. His dismissal ended even the remotest chance of a Pakistan win as they fell 37 runs short.

Faisal, Khalid, and Nazai shine as Afghanistan stun South Africa

Khalid Ahmadzai (74), Faisal Shinozada (81), and Uzairullah Niazai (51) struck half-centuries before a disciplined bowling effort scripted Afghanistan’s stunning triumph over South Africa in Windhoek.

Afghanistan opener Ahmadzai and Shinozada added a staggering 152 for the second wicket after the early dismissal of Osman Sadat, courtesy of Bayanda Majola. Majola struck again in the 35th over to dismiss Ahmadzai for 74, while Shinozada walked back immediately afterwards as Afghanistan collapsed from 183/1 to 186/5. Niazai kept the tempo up with his run-a-ball 51 despite running out of partners as Afghanistan were restricted to 266. Majola and Botha scalped three wickets each.

Chasing a tricky 267, South Africa were kept in the hunt thanks to Jason Rowles (98 off 93). He added 60 with Armaan Manack (15) and 46 with Paul James (4). However, South Africa made a meal of the chase once Rowles perished two short of a well-deserved century while trying to run a dangerous double. Jorich van Schalkwyk (8) and captain Muhammad Bulbulia (17) were dismissed cheaply. Corne Botha struck a few lusty blows, but Khatir Stanikzai sent him back, leaving South Africa in a precarious position. They eventually played it into Afghanistan’s hands, falling 28 short.

Defending champions Australia thrash Ireland

Steven Hogan's century headlined Australia’s dominant eight-wicket win over Ireland in Windhoek.

After being put in to bat, Ireland openers James West and Freddie Ogilby struggled to build momentum before John James removed West for 11. Sebastian Dijkstra fell lbw to Charles Lachmund (3/41), bringing Rob O'Brien in the middle.

O’Brien rebuilt the innings, adding 43 with Ogilby, who looked determined to score big. However, offspinner Will Malajczuk had him caught behind for 49. O’Brien, meanwhile, hit nine fours in his 79 while Adam Leckey (22) and Marko Bates (14) also made some handy contributions to take Ireland to 235/7. O'Brien eventually departed for a 98-ball 79 in the 49th over,

Australia got off to a rollicking start in the chase, with Will Malajczuk showing intent from the get-go. After he fell in the third over, Nitesh Samuel and Steven Hogan took it on themselves, scoring their half-centuries and bringing up the 100-run stand in the 21st over, with Hogan finding boundaries at regular intervals to notch up his ton off 97 balls in the 32nd over.

Luke Murray had Hogan caught behind for 115 off 111 after a 197-ball 186-run stand for the second wicket with opener Nitesh Samuel. Hogan’s knock included 11 fours and a six, and he brought Australia within touching distance of victory before departing. Ollie Peake (15 not out) then joined Samuel, who stood unbeaten on 77, as they completed the chase with 62 balls left in the bank.

Under-19 World Cup 2026 Day 2 - Brief scores

England v Pakistan – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare

England 210 all out in 46.5 overs (Caleb Falconer 66, Ben Dawkins 33; Ahmed Hussain 3/38, Abdul Subhan 2/24)

Pakistan 173 all out in 46.3 overs (Farhan Yousaf 65, Momin Qamar 18 not out; Alex Green 2/21, James Minto 2/23, Ralphie Albert 2/23)

Result: England won by 37 runs

Afghanistan v South Africa – High Performance Oval, Windhoek

Afghanistan 266/8 in 50 overs (Faisal Khan 81, Khalid Ahmadzai 74, Uzairullah Niazai 51 not out; Corne Botha 3/45, Bayanda Majola 3/59)

South Africa 238 all out in 47.4 overs (Jason Rowles 98, Corne Botha 25; Khatir Stanikzai 2/46, Abdul Aziz 2/49)

Result: Afghanistan won by 28 runs

Australia v Ireland – Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek

Ireland 235/7 in 50 overs (Robert O’Brien 79, Freddie Ogilby 49; Charles Lachmund 3/41, John James 1/33)

Australia 237/2 in 39.4 overs (Steven Hogan 115, Nitesh Samuel 77 not out; Luke Murray 1/46, Reuben Wilson 1/51)

Result: Australia won by eight wickets