A breathtaking century partnership between Nihar Parmar and Taylor W propelled Japan to a resounding nine-wicket triumph against Tanzania in the Under-19 World Cup 2026’s playoff-1 for the 13th spot. The Saturday showdown at High Performance Oval in Windhoek not only showcased Japan’s batting prowess but also ended both nations’ hopes of progressing further.
Tanzania, handed the toss and electing to set a total, imploded early. Karim Rashid’s golden duck at 2/1 set a shaky tone. Acre Hugo and Ayan Sharif responded with resilience, their 79-run second-wicket alliance rescuing the innings to 81. Hugo’s entertaining 55 (77 balls; 3×6, 3×4) was the highlight until his departure.
Sharif pressed on, combining with Rehan Atif for 37 runs to nudge past 100. Atif scored 16 before falling, leaving Sharif stranded on 40 from 89 balls with one four. Tanzania’s 131 in 38.3 overs proved insufficient against Japan’s attack. Nihar Parmar led the charge with four wickets, Nikhil Pol grabbed three, and Charles Hinje claimed two.
In pursuit, Japan’s openers unleashed havoc. Parmar and Taylor W’s 122-run onslaught off 162 balls left Tanzania shell-shocked. Taylor departed for 47 via run-out, but Parmar (53* off 74, 4×4) and Nikhil Pol (12*) guided Japan to victory in a mere 28.2 overs.
Both teams join Scotland and USA on the elimination list, with the Scots and Americans set for playoff-2 on January 26. The Super-6 action intensifies: Group 1 includes South Africa, Ireland, Afghanistan, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Australia; Group 2 pits India against Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, England, Pakistan, New Zealand.