KEY POINTS
- Last-minute call-up Will Byrom claimed a stunning 5/14 to spearhead Australia’s demolition of Sri Lanka for a record-low 58 runs.
- The champions chased the target of 59 in just 12 overs, with Nitesh Samuel remaining undismissed in the tournament.
WINDHOEK, Namibia: Australian Under-19s have sent a thunderous warning to their World Cup rivals, annihilating Sri Lanka by nine wickets in a brutal display of fast bowling that saw the Lions skittled for a record-low total of 58.
The reigning champions, after winning the toss and fielding, unleashed a ferocious pace barrage that left Sri Lanka in tatters at 3/3 within the first 20 balls. The collapse was terminal, with only one partnership briefly reaching double figures as Australia needed less than 19 overs to dismantle the innings.
Byrom’s fairytale five-for leads carnage
The star of the demolition was last-minute squad call-up Will Byrom. The New South Welshman, a replacement less than a week before the tournament, produced a devastating spell of 5/14 from 6.5 overs. Bowling a relentless line outside off stump, he decimated the Sri Lankan top and middle order, capping a remarkable personal rise.
William Byrom's pace barrage sees him bag a five-for against Sri Lanka 🔥#U19WorldCup broadcast details 👉 https://t.co/jKX6xmmOJQ pic.twitter.com/Q2kfS7uStg
— ICC (@ICC) January 23, 2026
“It’s not a surprise for me, he gets me out for fun in the nets! I certainly know what he can do, and it was great for him to show the world,” praised Australian captain Ollie Peake.
Byrom was ably supported by Queensland tearaway Charlie Lachmund (2/19), whose searing pace and lethal yorkers proved unplayable. The duo set the tone before Kasey Barton and Hayden Schiller mopped up the tail.
“It’s pretty unbelievable,” Lachmund said at the innings break. “To see Byrom get a five-for is just unreal.”
Chase a formality after bowling masterclass
Chasing a paltry 59, Australia’s pursuit was swift despite an early wicket. First-game centurion Steve Hogan (28*) and the ever-consistent Nitesh Samuel (19*) guided the team home with a massive 38 overs to spare. Samuel remains undismissed in the tournament, with scores of 77, 60, and now 19*.
Australia, Sri Lanka, and Ireland have all advanced to the Super Six stage from Group A, with Japan being the only team eliminated.
