Malajczuk's Explosive Century Powers Australia U19 to Big Win

Will Malajczuk's blazing 51-ball century helped Australia crush Japan by 8 wickets in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. He brought up his half-century midway through the sixth over, by which point Australia were already 66 for 0, with Malajczuk contributing 57 of those runs off 26 balls. At the other end, his opening partner Nitesh Samuel scored 7 from ten deliveries. Japan opted to bat and were content with their slow start, thanks to Hugo Tani-Kelly's unbeaten 79. He was the standout performer, following up his century against Sri Lanka. However, Australia's Naden Cooray struck in the middle order, taking 3 wickets as Japan slipped from stable to 201 all out. Australia romped home with 8 wickets in hand, making their next group game a dead rubber. Malajczuk scored 102 off 55 balls, including 12 fours and 5 sixes, and partnered with Nitesh Samuel to put on a 135-run opening stand. Japan had posted 201/8, led by Hugo Tani-Kelly's unbeaten 79. Australia chased down the target in just 29.1 overs, securing a Super Sixes berth. Australia 204 for 2 (Malajczuk 102, Samuel 60*, Parmar 1-35) beat Japan 201 for 8 (Tani-Kelly 79*, Cooray 3-31, Byrom 2-32) by eight wickets