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Oliver Peake's Century Guides Australia to U19 World Cup Semi-Finals
Cricket Gully | January 29, 2026 6:39 AM CST

Australia has secured their spot in the Under-19 World Cup semi-finals after a thrilling 22-run victory over the West Indies in Harare, with captain Oliver Peake leading the charge. Peake, a talented left-hander, dazzled with a fantastic 109 runs off 117 balls, helping Australia post a solid total of 314 for 7 in their Super Six match.

 

The West Indies put up a valiant effort, with Zachary Carter scoring 64 and captain Joshua Dorne contributing 62, but ultimately fell short, finishing at 292 for 9. 

 

After the West Indies opted to bowl first, Australia’s openers, Will Malajczuk and Nitesh Samuel, got things rolling with a strong start, putting together 50 runs in just seven overs. Malajczuk was dismissed for 48, but Samuel and Peake then built a solid partnership, adding 85 runs for the third wicket, with Samuel reaching his half-century.

 

Peake found a reliable partner in Alex Lee Young, who scored 45, as they consistently found the boundary until Young was out in the 41st over.

 

Peake and Jayden Draper then combined for 76 runs in the final nine overs, with Peake hitting a six to complete his century in the last over before being run out. 

 

Also Read | Explained: How Abhishek Sharma Can Become the First Player to Reach 1,000 ICC T20I Rating Points

 

Australia Hold Firm in Final Overs to Beat West Indies by 22 Runs

 

In pursuit of 315, the West Indies came out swinging. Tanez Francis and Carter quickly formed a 50-run partnership in just six overs, with Carter racing to 50 off a mere 29 balls. Despite losing some early wickets, Carter and Jewel Andrew, who scored 44, pushed the score past 100.

 

Australia fought back with key wickets from Naden Cooray, Lachmund, Hayden Schiller, and Aryan Sharma at crucial moments. Dorne’s half-century kept the chase alive, but as the match approached its final overs, Australia steadily regained control. 

 

In the last ten overs, Lachmund took four wickets, while Sharma added two more, tightening the screws on the West Indies. Thanks to their bowlers' contributions and Peake’s match-winning century, Australia clinched a 22-run victory, remaining undefeated as they move on to the semi-finals of the Under-19 World Cup.


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