England outclass Zimbabwe in U19 World Cup clash at Takashinga

ASHLEY DUBE 

Zimbabwe’s U19 Cricket World Cup campaign hit a stumbling block on Saturday as they suffered an eight-wicket defeat to England at Takashinga Cricket Club. Despite playing in front of a home crowd, the Young Chevrons were outpowered in their ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 group match.

Image: Zimbabwe Cricket

Winning the toss and electing to bowl, England’s attack immediately found its rhythm. Zimbabwe’s innings began in disastrous fashion when opener Nathaniel Hlabangana was dismissed for a duck in the very first over. 

The hosts struggled to recover from the early setback, finding it difficult to build meaningful partnerships against a disciplined English bowling unit.

Captain Simbarashe Mudzengerere provided much-needed stability, top-scoring with a resilient, unbeaten 45. Contributions from Dhruv Patel (36) and Kian Blignaut (33) helped steer the total toward respectability, while Tatenda Chimugoro added a late flourish with a quickfire 30 off 25 balls. 

However, England’s Manny Lamsden remained the standout performer with the ball, claiming 3/38 to restrict Zimbabwe to 208-9.

Defending a modest 209, Zimbabwe enjoyed a brief moment of hope when Shelton Mazvitorera removed both English openers with only 42 runs on the board. However, any thoughts of a collapse were quickly extinguished by Thomas Rew and Ben Mayes. The pair produced a clinical, match-winning partnership, adding an unbroken 167 runs in just over 21 overs. 

Rew was particularly aggressive, smashing 86 off just 66 deliveries, while Mayes anchored the other end with a composed 77 off 72 balls. Mazvitorera was the only wicket-taker for the hosts but proved expensive, conceding 54 runs in his six overs as England cruised to the target with ease.

The defeat leaves Zimbabwe in a precarious position in the group standings. They must now regroup rapidly before their final group-stage fixture against a formidable Pakistan side. 

A victory in that encounter is likely essential if the hosts are to secure a spot in the Super Six and keep their tournament dreams alive.