Australia Enters U-19 World Cup Semifinals with Oliver Peake’s Century

Bhupendra Singh Chundawat January 29, 2026, 7:16 am 2 min read

Harare: Australia secured their place in the semifinals of the Under-19 World Cup 2026 by defeating West Indies by 22 runs in a Super Six match held on Wednesday.

Currently topping Super Six Group-1, the Australian team has confirmed their semifinal spot while South Africa and Ireland have been eliminated from title contention. Australia will face the second semifinal on 3rd February at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

Batting first after losing the toss at Harare Sports Club, Australia posted a strong total of 314 runs for the loss of seven wickets.

The opening partnership between Will Malajuk and Nitesh Samuel provided a solid start, adding 73 runs in 9 overs. Malajuk scored 48 runs off 30 balls, including two sixes and eight fours, before getting out.

Following this, Nitesh Samuel and captain Oliver Peake strengthened the innings with an 85-run partnership for the third wicket. Samuel contributed 56 runs from 74 balls, hitting six boundaries.

Peake then forged significant partnerships with Alex Lee Young, who scored 45, and Jaden Draper, who made 29, helping Australia reach a formidable score. Oliver Peake himself played a commanding innings of 109 runs off 117 balls, hitting one six and nine fours before being dismissed.

Among the West Indies bowlers, Zakim Pollard and R.J.E. Gittens took two wickets each, while Wital Lodge and Mika Mackenzie claimed one wicket apiece.

In reply, West Indies managed 292 runs for nine wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Their opening pair, Taneez Francis and Jakkari Carter, gave a strong start with an 88-run partnership in 11.3 overs. Carter scored 64 runs, while Francis contributed 27.

Captain Joshua Dorne added 62 runs and Jewel Andrew scored 44, with Kunal Tilokani contributing 35 runs. However, these efforts were insufficient to chase down the target.

Charles Lachmund was the standout bowler for Australia, claiming four wickets. Hayden Schiller and Aryan Sharma took two wickets each to support the bowling attack.