The Under-19 World Cup 2026 delivered high drama on Thursday at Windhoek’s Namibia Cricket Ground, where Ireland overcame Japan by four wickets to book their Super-6 berth. Japan, despite a gritty batting display, couldn’t overcome their tournament woes, suffering a third consecutive defeat.
Electing to bowl first after winning the toss? No, Japan was inserted and battled to 247-9. The top order faltered early, with openers Hugo Kelly (20) and Nihar Parmar (24) providing starts but no consolidation. Nikhil Pol managed just 2 as wickets tumbled to 72-4.
Charles Hinje emerged as Japan’s hero, crafting 57 off 70 deliveries with aggressive strokeplay – four fours and a six. He partnered skipper Kazuma Kato Stafford (24) for 68 runs, steadying the ship. The real fireworks came lower down: Gabriel Hinje’s 44 and Skylar Nakayama Cook’s 30 propelled a 62-run eighth-wicket blitz in 50 balls.
Ireland’s bowling attack was led by the trio of Oliver Riley, Adam Lecky (3/3 each), and Samuel Haslett (2), restricting Japan’s momentum at crucial junctures.
In pursuit, Ireland’s chase was powered by openers James West (19) and Freddie Ogilvie, who blazed 48 in 8.2 overs. Post-West’s dismissal, Ogilvie (73, 2×6, 4×4) and Lecky (44 off 57) forged a 95-run alliance, propelling Ireland to 143.
Sebastian Dijksman’s masterful 55 steered them home in 48 overs. Japan’s response was spirited – Kato Stafford and Timothy Moore (2 wickets each), plus singles from Nikhil Pol and Charles Hinje – but Ireland’s batting depth prevailed.
This victory marks Ireland’s first win in three outings, a timely boost as they enter Super-6. Japan, with zero points, bows out, their ‘golden chance’ slipping away in the Namibian sun.