Latest news with #LakshBakrania
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
USA secure the final berth for the 2026 U19 Men's Cricket World Cup
Led by wicketkeeper-batter Arjun Mahesh, the United States became the 16th and the final team to secure a berth in the U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026 to be hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia. The US team bulldozed past Canada, Bermuda, and Argentina in the Americas qualifier played in the double round-robinnformat at Rydal, Georgia. USA set the tone with a 65-run win over Canada, followed by big victories against Bermuda and Argentina putting them in the driver's seat at the halfway stage of the competition. They qualified with one game in hand against Canada. The top 10 teams from the 2024 edition in South Africa secured automatic qualification for the 2026 event, as well as Full Member hosts Zimbabwe. The final five spots were decided through regional qualifiers around the world. Africa Qualifier: Tanzania Tanzania emerged as the winners from the African qualifiers fending off a strong Kenyan side and co-hosts Namibia. Led by Laksh Bakrania, a handy all-rounder, Tanzania entered the qualifiers in Divison 2 and eventually won the Division 1 qualifying going against top teams in the continent. Asia Qualifier: Afghanistan The Asian qualifiers got very tight as only the net run rate separated Afghanistan and Nepat at the end of the qualification. Big wins over Oman, Hong Long, and UAE meant that Afghanistan went went through to the qualifiers with Khalid Ahmadzai leading the charge. East Asia-Pacific Qualifier: Japan Japan used their home advantage and went undefeated in the double round robin qualification against Fiji and Papua New Guinea. Charlie Hara-Hinze was the standout for the Japanese side, claiming Player of the Tournament honours with 12 wickets and 92 runs across four innings. Nikhil Pol's side will aim for the country's first win at the tournament proper, having gone winless in 2020. Europe Qualifier: Scotland The European qualifiers saw Scotland and Netherlands battle it out on the final day in Dundee, and it was the hosts who held their nerve. They defeated Netherlands to top the table and book their berth for the seventh time in U19 World Cup. India, Australia, Bangladesh, England, Ireland, Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, South Africa, the West Indies, Zimbabwe, Japan, Afghanistan, Tanzania, Scotland, USA.
News18
3 days ago
- Sport
- News18
USA Book Final Spot In 2026 ICC U19 Men's World Cup, See Who Else Qualified
Last Updated: The 2026 ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup will see is complete with the USA securing the final spot. The line-up for the 2026 ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup is complete, with the United States securing the 16th and final spot after leading the Americas Qualifier in Georgia. The 16 teams that will participate in the U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026 are Zimbabwe, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, South Africa, the West Indies, Tanzania, the USA, Afghanistan, Japan, and Scotland. How Teams Qualified For 2026 ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup? The top 10 teams from the 2024 edition in South Africa automatically qualified for the 2026 tournament, alongside Zimbabwe, one of the joint hosts with Namibia. The remaining five spots were filled through regional qualifiers in Africa, Asia, the Americas, East Asia-Pacific, and Europe. In addition to hosts Zimbabwe, the automatically qualified teams are: India, Australia, England, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, South Africa, West Indies, New Zealand and Ireland. These teams secured their spots based on their performances in the last tournament. What Happened In The Regional Qualifiers? Africa – Tanzania Tanzania emerged as one of the standout stories of qualifying, progressing through Division 2 and winning Division 1 unbeaten. Captain Laksh Bakrania played a crucial role, scoring 208 runs and taking eight wickets, including a match-winning 34 and 2/17 against Namibia. Supported by Mohamedi Mbaki and Khalidy Juma, the team will now compete in its first U19 World Cup on home soil. Americas – USA The USA dominated their campaign, with strong batting from Amrinder Singh Gill (199 runs in three innings) and spin duo Ansh Rai and Sahir Bhatia, who claimed seven wickets each. They secured qualification emphatically by bowling out Argentina for just 34 runs and winning by nine wickets. Asia – Afghanistan Afghanistan narrowly edged out Nepal on net run rate after their head-to-head match was washed out. Khalid Ahmadzai excelled with 202 runs at an average of 101, while Nooristani Ormazi impressed with pace bowling. Spinners Ziatullah Shaheen and Hafieezullah Zadran further strengthened their campaign. East Asia-Pacific – Japan Japan, playing at home in Sano, won all their matches against Fiji and Papua New Guinea. Charlie Hara-Hinze, with 12 wickets and crucial runs, was named Player of the Tournament. All-rounders Hugo Tani-Kelly and Nihar Parmar also made significant contributions. Europe – Scotland Scotland secured qualification with a crucial win over the Netherlands in Dundee. Finlay Jones (4/41) and Manu Saraswat (3/43 and 64*) were the key performers, while Rory Grant scored the highest individual total of the tournament with 124 against Denmark. This will be Scotland's seventh appearance in the last eight editions. Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Get latest Cricket news, live score and match results on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : ICC Under-19 World Cup Under-19 world cup view comments Location : Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) First Published: News cricket USA Book Final Spot In 2026 ICC U19 Men's World Cup, See Who Else Qualified Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
ICC U19 World Cup 2026: Full line-up confirmed, USA seal final spot
The line-up for the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026 has been finalised, with the USA becoming the 16th and final team to qualify for the tournament in Zimbabwe and Namibia. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Led by wicketkeeper-batter Arjun Mahesh, the Americans sealed their place after dominating the Americas Qualifier on home soil in Rydal, Georgia, with a game to spare. Their clinical performances, including bowling Argentina out for just 34 runs, ensured they booked their ticket before facing Canada in their final fixture on 16 August. The tournament promises to be a showcase of future stars, with a mix of automatic qualifiers, hosts, and regional winners completing the global spread. Poll Which aspect of the tournament are you most looking forward to? Emerging talents and future stars Competitive matches between teams How teams qualified The top 10 sides from the 2024 edition in South Africa earned direct entry for 2026, joined by hosts Zimbabwe. That left five remaining spots to be filled through a series of regional qualifiers across Africa, the Americas, Asia, East Asia-Pacific, and Europe. Regional qualification began at Division 2 level in four regions before advancing to Division 1 events in 2025. Each regional winner progressed to the World Cup, making up the 16-team roster. Qualified teams for U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026 Category Teams Hosts Zimbabwe Direct Entry (Top 10 from 2024) Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, South Africa, West Indies Africa Qualifier Tanzania Americas Qualifier USA Asia Qualifier Afghanistan East Asia-Pacific Qualifier Japan Europe Qualifier Scotland Regional Qualifying Highlights Tanzania (Africa) shocked many with an undefeated run, holding off Namibia in a thriller. Skipper Laksh Bakrania led from the front with bat and ball, supported by Mohamedi Mbaki and Khalidy Juma. USA (Americas) swept aside all opposition, powered by opener Amrinder Singh Gill's 199 runs and spin duo Ansh Rai and Sahir Bhatia, each taking seven wickets. Afghanistan (Asia) edged Nepal on net run rate after a washed-out clash, thanks to Khalid Ahmadzai's 202 runs at an average of 101 and the pace of Nooristani Ormazi. Japan (EAP) dominated at home in Sano, with Charlie Hara-Hinze starring as Player of the Tournament, claiming 12 wickets and valuable middle-order runs. Scotland (Europe) kept their composure on the final day, with Manu Saraswat starring with bat and ball to topple The Netherlands and seal qualification for their seventh World Cup appearance. The 2026 edition will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia, bringing the tournament back to Africa. With an exciting mix of traditional heavyweights and spirited regional newcomers such as Tanzania, Japan, and the USA, the stage is set for another thrilling edition of the U19 Men's World Cup — a platform that has historically unearthed cricketing greats.
Int'l Cricket Council
3 days ago
- Sport
- Int'l Cricket Council
U19 Men's Cricket World Cup: Line-up locked in for 2026 edition
The line-up for the Under 19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026 has been finalised, with USA becoming the 16th and final team to book tickets for Zimbabwe and Namibia. Led by wicketkeeper-batter Arjun Mahesh, the Americans breezed through the double round-robin Qualifier on home soil in Rydal, Georgia and qualified with a game in hand to be played against Canada on 16 August. A look at how the U19 World Cup will look next year in Namibia and Zimbabwe. The top 10 teams from the 2024 edition in South Africa secured automatic qualification for the 2026 event, as well as Full Member hosts Zimbabwe. The final five spots were decided through regional qualifiers around the world. Joining Zimbabwe in automatic qualification included Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, South Africa and the West Indies. Attention then turned to regional qualifying, beginning with Division 2 qualifiers in four of the five regions across the globe, feeding into Division 1 action in 2025. It was Laksh Bakrania's side to first turn heads in Division 1 qualifying across the world, holding on in a low-scoring thriller against Namibia and beating a strong Kenyan unit to eventually book World Cup tickets in an undefeated campaign. Tanzania's feat was made more remarkable considering the team had entered the competition at Division 2 level, and it was the skipper, already boasting marked senior international experience, leading the way. The left-arm spinner claimed 2/17 (10) and made an invaluable 34 with the bat in a staunch defence of 159 against the Namibians in the pivotal victory, finishing with 208 runs and eight wickets across the tournament. Mohamedi Mbaki and Khalidy Juma also stood out in qualifying, and the side brace for a World Cup campaign on their home continent early next year. The Americans set the tone with a 65-run win over neighbours Canada, with emphatic victories over Bermuda and Argentina putting them firmly in the driver's seat at the halfway mark of the competition. The hosts' bowlers dominated in a second win over Bermuda on matchday four, before smashing Argentina by bowling them out for just 34. Their nine-wicket victory over Argentina lifted them to 10 points, securing an unassailable lead before their final clash against Canada. At the top of the order, Amrinder Singh Gill has been prolific with the bat with 199 runs in three innings, while spin twins Ansh Rai and Sahir Bhatia turned heads with the ball with seven scalps each so far. Only net run rate separated Afghanistan and Nepal at the end of Asia qualification, with their meeting at the end of the round robin tournament washed out. The Afghans ensured they held the tiebreaker thanks to big wins over Oman, Hong Kong and UAE, with Khalid Ahmadzai head and shoulders above his contemporaries with the bat, making 202 runs at 101 in his three innings. Quick bowler Nooristani Ormazi is a player to watch in the tournament proper, backed up through the spin of left-armer Ziatullah Shaheen and Hafieezullah Zadran. It was an emphatic qualification campaign from Japan on home soil in Sano, untouched against Fiji and Papua New Guinea in the double round robin and showcasing a level of talent that should challenge the world's best next year. Charlie Hara-Hinze was the standout for the Japanese side, claiming Player of the Tournament honours with 12 wickets and 92 runs across four innings, entrusted to bowl in crucial situations and ticking things along with the bat in the middle overs. All-rounders Hugo Tani-Kelly and Nihar Parmar continue the spin charge, with Parmar also priming as a key cog at the top of the order. Nikhil Pol's side will aim for the country's first win at the tournament proper, having gone winless in 2020. It came down to the final day of qualifying in Dundee, and it was the hosts who held their nerve, beating The Netherlands to top the table and book qualification tickets for Namibia and Zimbabwe. Defending 237, Scotland looked behind in the game with the Dutch well-placed at 108/3, all for Finlay Jones (4/41) and Manu Saraswat (3/43) to pull the match back in the hosts' favour. Saraswat's effort of 64* (80) and 4/43 (10) against Jersey was another highlight in the campaign, with Rory Grant's 124 (146) against Denmark the highest score of the tournament. The win means the Scots will appear at the tournament for the seventh time in the last eight cycles.
Arab News
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Tales of cricketing renaissance in Africa
Six weeks ago, I reported on a Test match between England and Zimbabwe played at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. Despite brave individual performances, Zimbabwe was beaten by an innings and 45 runs. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport It was clear that the team needed to play more Test matches in order to gain experience and improve. The next chance to achieve this came against the newly crowned World Test Champions, South Africa, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, starting on June 28. It was my fortune to be present. Thirty-five years ago, my work in a previous career took me to most of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa. I have long promised myself a return trip to see how much has changed. This was the time. The first stop was Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania, where I recall watching cricket played on matting, mainly by middle-class Indians. In recent years, cricket has enjoyed something of renaissance in Tanzania. This culminated in April 2025 when the men's team qualified for the ICC U-19 Men's World Cup. Having started off in Division Two of the qualifying process, three straight victories over Nigeria, Ghana and Mozambique propelled the team to the semifinal, where Rwanda was beaten, followed by a final victory over Sierra Leone. In the next stage, Tanzania overcame Uganda, Namibia, Kenya, Nigeria and Sierra Leone to finish top of the group. The star performer was the captain, Laksh Bakrania. His team is the first national Tanzanian cricket team to achieve World Cup qualification in any format of cricket and is only the second ever Tanzanian national team in any sport to qualify for a World Cup. Dr. Balakrishnan Sreekumar, chairman of the Tanzania Cricket Association, said: 'I'm lost for words to say how monumental it is.' As in most of Africa, football is the dominant sport. Sreekumar admitted that 'unfortunately, there is a pervasive feeling in Tanzania that cricket is only played by rich Indians,' a reality that existed three decades ago. It is no surprise that Sreekumar was at pains to point out that the World Cup squad was made up of ethnic Tanzanians, except for three Indian heritage players. For the TCA, 'this has been the biggest positive as far as we are concerned.' During 2025, both the senior men's and women's teams are playing for a World Cup spot. The pressure is upon them to emulate their juniors. The men's team is now taking part in a quadrangular tournament in Malawi, against the host, plus Bahrain and Germany. Domestic participation in cricket is growing at the grassroots by an estimated 5 percent per year. Key drivers of this are Criio cricket festivals. These are an ICC initiative, played with a soft ball and minimal equipment, introduced into schools, communities and rural areas. The aim is to provide a link between casual participation and structured cricket. Cricket academies have also been established around the country, whilst cricket has been officially introduced as part of the school sports curriculum. This ought to leave some Full ICC Member countries blushing. Two new cricket grounds are scheduled for construction in Dar es Salaam. The TCA's ambitions are clear. Sreekumar wants 'Tanzania to be one of the leading Associate sides in cricket and crack the T20I top 15 rankings for both the men's and women's senior teams.' It is a two-hour flight from Dar to Harare, home of the Zimbabwe Cricket Association at the verdant Harare Sports Club. A talk with one of the ground curators revealed a concern that several stalwart players are toward the end of their international careers and that more international matches are required to develop the next generation. This judgment was borne out by the two Test matches played against South Africa in Bulawayo. There, at the Queen's Sports Club, enthusiastic local support was in evidence throughout some torrid sessions for the home team. Their hopes ran high in the first session of play when Zimbabwe claimed three South African wickets for only 23 runs. The South African team contained only four of those who played in the World Test Championship victory at Lord's in June, injuries and need for rest taking their toll. This opened the door for Test debutantes, two of whom rescued their team's fortunes. Nineteen-year-old Lhuan-dre Pretorious and Dewald Brevis together added 158 runs in a free scoring afternoon session, Pretorious going on to score 153. In doing so, he became the youngest South African to score a century in Test cricket, overtaking the legendary Graeme Pollock. Pretorious was aided by Corbin Bosch, whose calmly composed innings saw him reach a century right on the close of play, with his team totaling an impressive 418 for nine. After losing opener Brian Bennett to a concussion injury, Sean Williams, with 137, was the main source of resistance in Zimbabwe's response of 251 all out. South Africa stretched this first innings advantage through Wiaan Mulder's 147 and some lower order acceleration, which took the total to 369 all out. Zimbabwe was set an improbable 537 to win. After subsiding to 82 for six, only some lower order hitting took the total to 206 all out, a heavy defeat of 329 runs. In the second Test, worse was to come. Zimbabwe chose to bowl first and, again, enjoyed early success. At 24 for two, South Africa may have appeared to be in trouble. What then unfolded was nothing short of extraordinary. Wiaan Mulder, acting as captain in place of the injured Keshav Maharaj, embarked upon an innings which has entered the history books. At Lord's, he looked out of his depth with the bat, bereft of attacking shots. In Bulawayo he amassed an unbeaten 367, becoming the 29th batter to do so in Test cricket. Mulder is the first to score a triple hundred on debut as a Test captain and the second fastest, achieving the feat in 297 deliveries. At lunch on the second day, Mulder was faced with a decision as captain — should he bat on or declare? How ironic that in his first Test as captain, and maybe his last for a while, he would put himself in a position to reach a quadruple hundred and achieve the highest ever individual score in Test history. The current holder is Brian Lara, who scored 400 not out in Antiqua against England in 2004. Mulder took the view that 'Lara is a legend … and for someone of that stature to keep that record is pretty special.' His selfless decision has divided opinion. Some argue that records are there to be broken and he is unlikely to get another chance. Mulder stands by his decision. South Africa went on to win the match by an innings and 238 runs, extending its winning sequence to 10 Tests. It was another chastening experience for the Zimbabwean squad, which will need to learn lessons quickly if it is to compete against the leading Test playing countries.
