William Byrom's Stunning 5-Wicket Haul Powers Australia Past Sri Lanka; Bangladesh Seal Super Six Spot at U19 World Cup 2026

The ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026 witnessed two commanding performances as Australia and Bangladesh registered emphatic wins in their final group-stage fixtures. William Byrom's devastating five-wicket haul and Azizul Hakim Tamim's captain's knock headlined an enthralling day of action.

Australia Demolish Sri Lanka by 9 Wickets

Sri Lanka's Batting Collapse

Defending champions Australia made a bold statement by bowling first after winning the toss, and their decision paid immediate dividends. Sri Lanka crumbled to a mere 58 runs all out in what was a clinical demolition job by the Australian pace attack.

Charles Lachmund struck first blood in the third over, removing both openers Viran Chamuditha and Dimantha Mahavithana to give Australia the perfect start they were looking for.

William Byrom's Match-Winning Spell

William Byrom then took center stage with a bowling performance that will be remembered as one of the finest at the tournament. The young quick dismissed Dulnith Sigera to begin his wicket-taking spree, reducing Sri Lanka to a precarious 3/3.

Byrom was virtually unplayable as he continued to dismantle the Sri Lankan batting lineup:

• Vimath Dinsara (captain) - dismissed
• Kavija Gamage - removed in quick succession
• Adam Hilmy - Sri Lanka left reeling at 30/6
• Kugathas Mathulan - completed his five-wicket haul

Byrom's remarkable figures came in just 41 balls, showcasing the kind of ruthless efficiency that has become a hallmark of Australian cricket at all levels.

Supporting Cast Delivers

Haydon Schiller contributed by removing Chamika Heentigala, whose 14 off 21 balls was ironically the highest score of the innings. Kasey Barton also chipped in with the wickets of Sethmika Seneviratne and Rasith Nimsara.

Clinical Chase Seals the Deal

Australia's batters faced no trouble in hunting down the modest target of 59. Steve Hogan anchored the innings with an unbeaten 24, while Nitesh Samuel provided steady support with 19 not out off 40 balls. The defending champions sealed victory in just 11.5 overs, with Rasith Nimsara claiming the only consolation wicket by dismissing Will Malajczuk.

The comprehensive victory means Australia head into the Super Six round unbeaten from their three group-stage matches.

Bangladesh Secure Super Six Spot with 7-Wicket Victory Over USA

Early Breakthroughs Set the Tone

Bangladesh's decision to bowl first proved spot-on as they struck twice within the opening three overs. Amrinder Gill and Arjun Mahesh departed early, leaving USA struggling at 6/2.

USA's Middle-Order Resistance

Opener Sahil Garg and skipper Utkarsh Srivastava attempted to rebuild with a 51-run partnership, the highest of the USA innings. However, Shahriar Ahmed broke the stand and added another scalp to turn the momentum firmly in Bangladesh's favor.

Shahriar dismissed Garg for a fighting 35 off 60 balls, along with Shiv Shani, before Iqbal Hossain bowled Srivastava for 39 off 65 deliveries. Rizan Hossain then struck twice in quick succession to leave USA reeling at 128/7.

Adnit Jhamb's Heroic Resistance

Adnit Jhamb produced a valiant rearguard effort, remaining unbeaten on 68 off 69 balls. His 43-run partnership with Adit Kappa provided late resistance, but Al Fahad broke the stand to claim his second wicket. USA were eventually bowled out for 199 off the final two deliveries of their innings.

Captain Tamim Leads from the Front

Bangladesh's chase began solidly with openers Zawad Abrar (47 off 42 balls) and Rifat Beg (30 off 55) putting on 78 runs for the first wicket. Sahil Garg produced a sharp catch-and-bowled to dismiss Abrar, and Utkarsh Srivastava removed Beg soon after.

Match-Winning Partnership

Skipper Azizul Hakim Tamim then took control, combining with Kalam Siddiki Aleen for a decisive 88-run partnership that effectively sealed the match. Tamim's composed 64 off 82 balls was a captain's knock in the truest sense, guiding his team through the middle overs with maturity beyond his years.

Although Tamim fell to Ritvik Appidi in the 39th over, Kalam Siddiki Aleen (30 off 55) and Rizan Hossain (20 off 16) calmly completed the chase, securing Bangladesh's first win of the tournament and their place in the Super Six stage.

Tournament Implications and Future Outlook

Both victories carry significant weight in the context of the tournament:

Australia continue to look ominous as defending champions, with their bowling attack proving particularly lethal. William Byrom's emergence as a strike bowler adds another dimension to an already formidable unit.

Bangladesh showed character and composure under pressure, with captain Azizul Hakim Tamim demonstrating the leadership qualities that could be crucial as the tournament progresses into the knockout stages.

As the Super Six round approaches, both teams will be looking to carry this momentum forward. Australia's unbeaten record makes them early favorites, while Bangladesh will take confidence from their ability to chase down targets with relative ease.

The ICC U19 World Cup 2026 continues to deliver high-quality cricket, with the next generation of stars making their mark on the international stage.