U19 World Cup Highlights: Will Malajuk Smashes Fastest Century as Australia Ease Past Japan

Windhoek, January 20, 2026: In a dominant performance at the Under-19 World Cup 2026, Australia registered an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Japan, thanks to a record-breaking century by Will Malajuk.

Malajuk etched his name in the history books by scoring the fastest century in U19 World Cup history, reaching 100 runs off just 51 balls. The previous record was held by Pakistan’s Qasim Akram, who had scored a century off 63 balls against Sri Lanka in Antigua in 2022.

Japan Sets a Modest Target
After winning the toss, Japan elected to bat first and managed 201 runs in their allotted 50 overs, losing eight wickets. Hugo Tavi Kelly top-scored with an unbeaten 79 off 135 balls, supported by Nihar Parmann (33), Montogomery Hara Hinje (29), Charlie Hara-Hinje (24), and 30 runs from extras. For Australia, Naden Kore took 3 wickets for 31 runs in 10 overs, while Will Byrom, Aryan Sharma, and Kase Barton shared the remaining wickets.

Explosive Opening Partnership
Chasing 202, Australia got off to a flying start with a 135-run partnership for the first wicket between Will Malajuk and Nitesh Samuel in just 15.3 overs. Malajuk scored 102 runs off 55 balls, including 12 fours and 5 sixes, before being dismissed. Samuel remained unbeaten on 60 from 73 balls, while Tom Hogan contributed 19 not out from 27 balls. Steven Hogan added 15 runs off 20 balls.

Australia reached the target in 29.1 overs for the loss of just two wickets, sealing a comfortable eight-wicket win with 125 balls to spare. Will Malajuk was named Player of the Match for his outstanding innings.

Rain Halts New Zealand vs Bangladesh Match
Elsewhere, the clash between New Zealand and Bangladesh ended without a result due to rain. New Zealand had managed 51/1 in 10 overs when persistent rain at Bulawayo’s Queens Sports Club forced the match to be abandoned.