Japan’s Under-19 cricketers delivered a clinical performance, demolishing Tanzania by nine wickets in the crucial playoff-1 encounter for 13th place at the U19 World Cup 2026. Played on Saturday at Windhoek’s High Performance Oval, the match signaled the tournament exit for both sides, clearing the path for top teams to shine.
Tanzania’s decision to bat first backfired spectacularly. Early trouble struck when Karim Rashid departed for nought at 2 runs. Hugo Acre and Ayan Sharif fought back valiantly, forging an 79-run alliance that lifted the score to 81/2. Acre’s fiery 55, built on 77 balls with three maximums and three fours, highlighted his intent before he was dismissed.
Sharif anchored the innings further, partnering Rehan Atif for 37 runs in a bid to cross 100. Atif managed 16, while Sharif’s patient 40 off 89 balls featured one boundary. Yet, the innings crumbled to 131 all out in 38.3 overs. Standout bowler Nihar Parmar terrorized the batsmen with 4/??, ably assisted by Nikhil Pol’s 3 wickets and Charles Hinje’s brace.
Japan’s reply was a masterclass in chasing. Openers Nihar Parmar and Taylor W orchestrated a sensational 122-run stand from just 162 deliveries, making the target look like a formality. Taylor’s 47 ended in a run-out mishap, but Parmar steered the team home unbeaten on 53 (74 balls, 4x4s), with Nikhil Pol unbeaten on 12. The victory was sealed in 28.2 overs.
With Japan and Tanzania out, Scotland faces USA in the next playoff on January 26. Super-6 Group 1 boasts South Africa, Ireland, Afghanistan, West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Group 2 features India alongside Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, England, Pakistan, and New Zealand, promising fierce battles ahead.