Farhan Ahmed again produced a restrictive bowling spell as England Men U19s booked their place in the Super 6 stage of the 2026 ICC Men’s U19s World Cup with an eight-wicket win over Zimbabwe in Harare.

A return of 2/33 from Ahmed’s ten overs had helped restrict the tournament co-hosts to 208-9, as the 17-year-old removed Kian Blignaut and Brandon Senzere.

An unbroken 167-run stand between Ben Mayes and captain Thomas Rew then saw England canter to their target with 22 full overs to spare.

Blignaut came down the track to counteract Ahmed’s spin only to be bowled for 33, while a smart piece of wicketkeeping from Rew saw Senzere stumped for 14.

Manny Lumsden led the way with 3/38, while Ralphie Albert returned 2/49, restricting the co-hosts to a below-par total despite Simbarashe Mudzengerere’s battling unbeaten 45.

England were initially reduced to 42-2, as Shelton Mazvitorera claimed 2/54, only for Rew and Mayes to emphatically take over.

Rew struck seven fours and four sixes in his unbeaten 86 from 66 balls, while Mayes also cleared the ropes four times in his 77 not out from 72 balls.

By the midway point, at which England were 182-2, the conclusion was thoroughly foregone, and it took only three further overs before Mayes drove the winning single.

With their place in the next stage already secure, the Young Lions look ahead to a final Group C clash with neighbours Scotland on Wednesday.