Ben Mayes Smashes Historic 191 as England and Afghanistan Dominate U19 World Cup Group Stage

The ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026 group stage concluded with England and Afghanistan cementing their status as tournament frontrunners, both finishing their respective groups with perfect three-win records. Wednesday's action saw two contrasting yet equally dominant performances that sent a clear message to their rivals.

England's Record-Breaking Victory Over Scotland

A Batting Masterclass for the Ages

England delivered a batting exhibition of the highest order against Scotland, amassing a mammoth 404/6 in their 50 overs – the highest team total in the 2026 edition of the tournament.

Despite losing opener Ben Dawkins early in the third over after Scotland elected to field first, England's middle order responded with devastating intent. Joseph Moores and Ben Mayes constructed a match-defining 188-run partnership that completely dismantled the Scottish bowling attack.

Ben Mayes Etches His Name in History

The 18-year-old Ben Mayes produced one of the greatest individual performances in U19 World Cup history, blazing his way to an extraordinary 191 from just 117 deliveries. His innings featured an astonishing 26 boundaries – 18 fours and 8 sixes – showcasing remarkable power hitting and shot selection.

Mayes' score equals the joint second-highest individual score ever recorded in U19 World Cup history and stands as the best-ever by an England batter in the tournament. Agonizingly, he fell just one run short of surpassing Viran Chamuditha's all-time record.

Joseph Moores provided excellent support with a well-crafted 81 from 65 balls before departing, setting the platform for Mayes' historic assault.

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Supporting Cast Delivers

Sebastian Morgan added the finishing touches with a blistering cameo of 24 from just 11 deliveries, propelling England past the 400-run barrier and setting Scotland an insurmountable target.

Scotland's Chase Falls Short

Facing cricket's equivalent of climbing Everest, Scotland's task became near-impossible when openers Theo Robinson and Thomas Knight fell in quick succession. While Finlay Carter and Max Chaplin showed some resistance in the middle order, Scotland were eventually bowled out for 152, handing England a comprehensive 252-run victory.

Afghanistan Continue Their Dominant Run Against Tanzania

Bowling Brilliance Sets the Tone

In the day's other fixture, Afghanistan showcased their exceptional bowling depth in a clinical nine-wicket demolition of Tanzania.

Tanzania's decision to bat first backfired spectacularly as Afghanistan's pace battery struck early and often. Wahidullah Zadran and Nooristani Omarzai removed both openers inside three overs with just five runs on the board, setting the tone for what would become a challenging day for the Tanzanian batters.

Nooristani Omarzai's Five-Wicket Masterclass

Nooristani Omarzai emerged as the star performer, claiming a devastating five-wicket haul that wrapped up Tanzania's innings for a mere 85 runs in 36 overs. His fifer takes his tournament wicket tally to an impressive 10 scalps in just three matches, establishing him as the competition's most potent bowling threat.

Khatir Stanikzai and Uzairullah Niazai provided excellent support, ensuring no Tanzanian partnership could gain meaningful momentum. Despite brief resistance from Ayaan Shariff, Rehaan Salim, Augustine Mwamele, and captain Laksh Bakrania, Tanzania never threatened to post a competitive total.

Swift Chase Seals Victory

Afghanistan's chase was a formality, completed inside 13 overs without breaking a sweat. Faisal Khan was the architect of the successful pursuit, smashing an unbeaten 54 from just 34 deliveries to seal the nine-wicket triumph.

Super Six Implications

Group Standings and Qualification

England's victory sees them finish top of Group C, earning a place in Group 2 of the Super Six stage. Scotland's qualification hopes now rest on Pakistan defeating Zimbabwe in the remaining group fixture.

Afghanistan's dominance secured them top spot in Group D, placing them in Group 1 for the Super Six. Tanzania's tournament ends with elimination following their defeat.

Looking Ahead: Semi-Final Contenders Emerge

Both England and Afghanistan enter the Super Six as genuine semi-final contenders. England's batting firepower, headlined by the exceptional Mayes, gives them the ability to post and chase imposing totals. Afghanistan's bowling attack, spearheaded by the in-form Nooristani Omarzai, makes them a formidable opponent for any team.

As the tournament progresses to the knockout-style Super Six format, these two unbeaten sides will be among the favorites to lift the trophy. The question remains: can anyone stop their momentum?