The International Cricket Council (ICC) U/19 Men’s Cricket World Cup will conclude its matches in Namibia on Monday, with the final matches remaining to be played in the co-hosting nation, Zimbabwe. 

On Wednesday, at the High-Performance Oval in Windhoek. Afghanistan secured top spot in Group D and qualification to the Super Six stage with a dominant nine-wicket victory over Tanzania. 

Nooristani Omarzai of Afghanistan was the standout performer with the ball, claiming five wickets for just nine runs from seven overs as Tanzania were dismissed for 85. 

Three of those wickets fell in his first over after returning to the attack, with Tanzania collapsing from 68 for six as the tail quickly folded. 

Only three Tanzanian batters reached double figures, with Agustino Mwamele top-scoring with 14 before being run out. Tanzania also conceded 25 extras, including 19 wides. 

Afghanistan required just 12.4 overs to chase down the target, with Faisal Khan unbeaten on 55 off 34 balls, striking nine fours and a six. Opener Osman Sadat contributed 16 not out as Afghanistan cruised to victory. Tournament debutants Tanzania finished their group campaign with three losses from three matches. 

Today, at the Namibia Cricket Ground (NCG), Sri Lanka will go head-to-head with Australia, before qualifying teams progress to the Super Six and knockout stages starting tomorrow and running until 26 January 2026 in Namibia. 

The remaining matches from 27 January onwards will be played in Zimbabwe, where the champions of the ICC U/19 Men’s Cricket World Cup will be crowned. 

-hnalupe@nepc.com.na