Zimbabwe beat Canada by eight wickets at Bogra District Stadium on Thursday.

The African nation's comfortable victory has put the pressure on reigning champions Australia ahead of the final Group A fixture in Rajshahi on friday.

Australia must now beat Sri Lanka and ensure that it has a better net-run-rate than either or Sri Lanka or Zimbabwe to make it through to the Super League.

Zimbabwe did their chances of qualifying no harm today in restricting Canada to 180 for 9 in 50 overs and then knocking off the runs for the loss of only three wickets with 17 overs to spare.

A day after claiming six wickets against Australia, Tinashe Panyangara bowled 10 wicketless overs but Prosper Utseya instead lead the attack with figures of 4 for 41.

Zimbabwe lost opener Brendon Taylor with the score on 16 but James Cameron and Sean Williams then came together to provide the foundations of an important victory. Williams was run out for 35 but skipper Tinotenda Mawoyo helped Cameron complete the win. Mawayo finished on 32 not out while man of the match Cameron was not out on 84.

The match was played in front of a third consecutive sell-out of over 15,000 -- including 300 school children allowed in free of charge. This was the final ICC U/19 CWC 2004 match at the Bogra District Stadium. International cricket will return to the venue when Zimbabwe 'A' tour the country next month.

Going into friday's match in Rajshahi, Australia has a net-run-rate of -0.51 while Sri Lanka's is 2.11.