Australia vs West Indies U19 World Cup 2026 Live: Windies Elect to Bowl in Crucial Super Six Clash
In a pivotal Super Six Group 1 encounter of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, West Indies U19 captain Joshua Dorne won the toss and opted to bowl first against Australia at the Harare Sports Club in Harare today. This strategic decision sets the stage for an intense battle as both teams vie for a spot in the semi-finals.
Toss Decision and Match Context
After winning the toss, Dorne chose to field, a move that could capitalize on early morning conditions in Harare. This match holds significant weight in the tournament, with Australia currently leading Group 1 and West Indies positioned fourth. Only the top two teams from the group will advance to the semi-finals, making every run and wicket crucial.
Playing XIs for Both Teams
The teams have announced their line-ups, featuring a mix of promising young talents:
Australia U19 Playing XI:
- Will Malajczuk
- Nitesh Samuel
- Steven Hogan
- Oliver Peake (Captain)
- Alex Lee Young (Wicketkeeper)
- Jayden Draper
- Aryan Sharma
- Hayden Schiller
- Naden Cooray
- Ben Gordon
- Charles Lachmund
West Indies U19 Playing XI:
- Tanez Francis
- Zachary Carter
- Jewel Andrew (Wicketkeeper)
- Joshua Dorne (Captain)
- Kunal Tilokani
- Jonathan van Lange
- Shaquan Belle
- Vitel Lawes
- RJai Gittens
- Jakeem Pollard
- Micah McKenzie
Match Venue and Tournament Implications
The Harare Sports Club in Harare serves as the backdrop for this high-stakes match. As the Super Six stage unfolds, Australia aims to consolidate their top position, while West Indies desperately need a victory to climb the rankings and keep their semi-final hopes alive. The outcome could dramatically reshape the group standings.
Stay tuned for live updates as the action commences, with Australia batting first under pressure and West Indies seeking early breakthroughs to control the game.