U19 World Cup: Malajczuk's record ton sets up Australia's win

ICC Under 19 World Cup, 2026

Will Malajczuk scored the fastest century in ICC U19 World Cup history, smashing 102 off 55 balls to power Australia to a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Japan in Windhoek. Chasing a target of 202, Australia won with 20.5 overs to spare.

Malajczuk, a left-hander, was in dominant form, plundering 12 fours and five sixes to reach his century in just 51 balls. He shared a 135-run opening stand with Nitesh Samuel, who remained unbeaten on 60 off 73 balls.

Earlier, Australia's bowlers restricted Japan to 201 for 8 in their allotted overs. Leg-spinner Naden Cooray was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 31, while medium-pacer Will Byrom claimed two wickets. For Japan, Hugo Tani-Kelly offered resistance with a valiant 79 off 135 balls.

Rain washes out New Zealand vs Bangladesh

In another match, New Zealand's second group game against Bangladesh was abandoned without a result due to persistent rain. The start was delayed by an hour, and after Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field, only ten overs of play were possible. New Zealand reached 51 for 1, with contributions from Aryan Mann and captain Tom Jones, before the weather forced the match to be called off.