Australia vs Japan U19 World Cup Live: Japan Opt to Bat After Toss Win
The Under-19 World Cup 2026 match between Australia and Japan is now underway. Japan U19 won the toss and decided to bat first against Australia U19 at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek. This decision sets the stage for an exciting contest in the youth cricket tournament.
Toss and Playing XIs
Japan U19 captain Kazuma Kato Stafford called correctly at the toss. He chose to bat, aiming to put up a competitive total. Both teams announced their playing elevens for this crucial encounter.
Japan U19 Playing XI: Nikhil Pol, Nihar Parmar, Hugo Kelly, Taylor Waugh, Charles Hinze, Kaisei Doggett, Kazuma Kato Stafford (c), Montgomery Hara Hinze, Chihaya Sekine (w), Gabriel Hara Hinze, Skyler Nakayama Cook.
Australia U19 Playing XI: Will Malajczuk, Nitesh Samuel, Steven Hogan, Oliver Peake (c), Tom Hogan, Jayden Draper (w), Aryan Sharma, Naden Cooray, Ben Gordon, Kasey Barton, Will Byrom.
Live Score and Match Updates
Japan U19 started their innings with intent. However, they faced an early setback when Nikhil Pol fell for a golden duck. Hugo Tani-Kelly and Nihar Parmar then steadied the ship with a gritty partnership.
After 22.3 overs, Japan U19 scored 90 runs for the loss of two wickets. Hugo Tani-Kelly is batting on 32 runs from 55 balls. Charles Hara-Hinze is at the crease with 11 runs off 12 balls.
The Australian bowlers are applying pressure. Will Malajczuk and William Byrom have been economical. Aryan Sharma and Kasey Barton also contributed with tight spells.
Key Moments in the Match
- Early Wicket: Nikhil Pol departed for a duck, putting Japan on the back foot.
- Partnership: Hugo Tani-Kelly and Nihar Parmar added 58 runs for the second wicket.
- Run Out: Nihar Parmar was run out for 33 runs after a mix-up with his partner.
- Boundaries: Charles Hara-Hinze hit a four off Will Malajczuk, while Nihar Parmar smashed a six off Kasey Barton.
Drinks were taken after 17 overs. Japan U19 will look to build a solid total. Australia U19 aims to break partnerships and restrict the scoring rate.
Squads for the Match
Japan U19 Squad: Nikhil Pol, Nihar Parmar, Hugo Kelly, Charles Hinze, Taylor Waugh, Kaisei Doggett, Kazuma Kato Stafford (c), Timothy Moore, Chihaya Sekine (w), Gabriel Hara Hinze, Kai Wall, Skyler Nakayama Cook, Montgomery Hara Hinze, Ryuki Ozeki, Sandev Waduge.
Australia U19 Squad: Will Malajczuk, Nitesh Samuel, Steven Hogan, Oliver Peake (c), Alex Lee Young (w), Jayden Draper, John James, Aryan Sharma, Hayden Schiller, Ben Gordon, Charles Lachmund, Tom Hogan, Will Byrom, Kasey Barton, William Taylor, Naden Cooray.
The match promises more action as it progresses. Fans can expect a competitive display from both young teams in this U19 World Cup fixture.
