Daijiworld Media Network – Windhoek

Windhoek, Jan 21: Australia’s Will Malajczuk produced a stunning innings, scoring the fastest century in ICC U19 World Cup history, as the defending champions comprehensively defeated Japan in their group stage clash at Windhoek.

Chasing a target of 202 set by Japan, Malajczuk (102 off 55 balls) and opener Nitesh Samuel (60* off 73) put on a formidable 135-run partnership for the first wicket, putting the game beyond Japan’s reach. Malajczuk, a left-hander, dominated the Japanese attack with an array of powerful strokes, smashing 12 fours and five sixes, and brought up his century off just 51 balls. Australia sealed the eight-wicket victory with 20.5 overs to spare.

Earlier, Australia’s bowlers had restricted Japan to 201 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. Leg-spinner Naden Cooray picked 3 for 31, while medium-pacer Will Byrom claimed two wickets. For Japan, Hugo Tani-Kelly played a resilient knock of 79 off 135 balls, but wickets fell at the other end, preventing a bigger total.

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s second game of the tournament against Bangladesh was abandoned due to persistent rain. The match, delayed by an hour, saw New Zealand put into bat by Bangladesh after the toss. Only ten overs were possible before the downpour halted play, during which Aryan Mann and skipper Tom Jones helped New Zealand reach 51 for 1.

Despite a prolonged wait of over three-and-a-half hours, the rain refused to subside, and the match was eventually called off, leaving both teams sharing points.

Australia’s emphatic win and Malajczuk’s record-breaking century highlight the young side’s dominant start in the tournament, while New Zealand will hope for better weather in their upcoming fixtures.