England and Afghanistan registered convincing wins in the ICC Under-19 World Cup on Sunday, while rain forced New Zealand and USA to share points.
England put Zimbabwe into bat and applied early pressure. Zimbabwe lost both openers cheaply. Nathaniel Hlabangana and Kupakwashe Muradzi added only eight runs between them. Kian Blignaut and Dhruv Patel tried to stabilize the innings with a 45-run stand. Patel later added 32 runs with Tatenda Chimugoro before falling.
Captain Simbarashe Mudzengerere anchored the innings but lacked support. Zimbabwe crossed 200 runs but only just, finishing on 208 in 50 overs.
England lost both openers early in the chase. Ben Mayes and captain Thomas Rew then took full control. They attacked the bowlers with confidence and composure. Rew scored an unbeaten 86, while Mayes added an unbeaten 77. England chased the target in 28 overs to win by eight wickets. The victory pushed them close to Super Six qualification.
England face Scotland next, while Zimbabwe meet Pakistan.
Afghanistan also delivered a strong all-round display against West Indies. They chose to bat first and built a solid foundation. Khalid Ahmadzai and Osman Sadat added 86 runs for the opening stand. Vitel Lawes broke the partnership and picked up more wickets.
Captain Mehboob Taskin steadied the innings with Sadat. Sadat scored 88 as the pair added 77 runs. Afghanistan posted a competitive 262 for six. Lawes and Jakeem Pollard claimed three wickets each.
Rain Halts New Zealand–USA Contest
Afghanistan struck early with the ball. They removed three West Indies batters inside five overs. Jewel Andrew fought back with a half-century but lacked support. Afghanistan bowled out West Indies for 124. Omarzai Nooristani took four wickets, while Wahidullah Zadran and Khatir Stanikzai claimed three each. Afghanistan won by 138 runs and booked a Super Six spot.
In Harare, New Zealand dominated early against USA. They reduced USA to 40 for five inside ten overs. Shiv Shani scored 33 to slow the collapse. Nitish Sudini then produced a brilliant counterattack. Batting at number seven, he scored an unbeaten 117. He added 103 runs with Adit Kappa and lifted USA to 253.
Rain interrupted New Zealand’s chase after one over. The match ended with shared points.
