On a day when England’s Ben Mayes flirted with history, the most significant movement occurred in the Group D standings.
Afghanistan’s 222-run hammering of Tanzania has not only secured their progression to the Super Sixes with a perfect record but has effectively pushed the qualification door shut for the West Indies—unless they can conjure an unprecedented result in their final group fixture.
The Group D Equation
Afghanistan 310 for 3 (Hassan 112, Ishaq 94) beat Tanzania 88 (Nabi 4-12) by 222 runs
Afghanistan’s massive victory has seen their Net Run Rate (NRR) skyrocket, leaving them at the summit of the group. For the West Indies, the scenario is now stark: to leapfrog into the Super Sixes, they require a “huge” win over an in-form South Africa in their final group match.
The mathematical reality suggests that a simple victory will no longer suffice; the Maroon Boys will need to win by a massive margin—likely exceeding 150 runs if batting first, or chasing a target within 15 overs—to repair their NRR enough to displace the Proteas or the Afghans.
Mayes makes history
England 404 for 6 (Mayes 191, Moores 81) beat Scotland 152 (Morgan 3-21) by 252 runs
While the calculators were out in Group D, Group C witnessed a batting masterclass at the hands of England’s Ben Mayes. Opting to bat, England recovered from the early loss of Ben Dawkins to post a tournament-high 404 for 6.
Mayes was the undisputed star, bludgeoning 191 from just 117 deliveries. It was an innings of pure carnage, featuring 18 fours and 8 sixes, marking the highest individual score ever by an England batter in U-19 World Cup history.
He fell just one run short of Viran Chamuditha’s all-time tournament record (192), but his 188-run stand with Joseph Moores (81) had already batted Scotland out of the contest.
Scotland’s chase never gained traction. Sebastian Morgan’s opening spell dismantled the top order, and despite a gritty middle-order resistance from Finlay Carter, the Scots were bundled out for 152.
The 252-run victory ensures England enter Group 2 of the Super Sixes with maximum points and significant momentum. Scotland’s fate now rests in the hands of Pakistan; they require a Pakistani victory over Zimbabwe to sneak through to the next phase.
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