Japan, Australia and the Czech Republic won their matches on the opening day of Super Round action on Thursday setting up a “semifinal” between Australia and Japan on Friday for a spot in the final.
Japan and Australia opened the Super Round with 2-0 records (based on pool play results against Super Round opponents). New Zealand was the only Super Round team with but one loss. But the Czech Republic squashed the host team’s hopes for a spot in the finals, with a 10-2, 14 strikeout victory.
Unbeaten Japan and Australia will square off in the final game of the day on Day 7, which sets up as a sort of “semi-final” for two teams headed to the final, in a rematch of the 2018 U19 World Cup, won in Prince Albert, Canada by Australia.