India U19 vs Pakistan U19: High-Stakes Super Six Clash in ICC World Cup 2026
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as the Indian U19 cricket team prepares to face their arch-rivals Pakistan in a crucial Super Six match of the ICC U19 World Cup 2026. This high-voltage clash will take place at the historic Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, with both teams fighting for a spot in the tournament semifinals.
Tournament Context and Qualification Scenarios
India, led by captain Ayush Mhatre, enters this match unbeaten in the tournament so far. The Boys in Blue currently occupy second position in Super Six Group 2 with six points, while Pakistan sits in third place with four points. A victory against Pakistan would guarantee India's progression to the last four, joining already-qualified teams Afghanistan, Australia, and England in the semifinals.
For Pakistan, the equation is more complex. They need not just a win, but a substantial victory against India to improve their net run rate and keep their qualification hopes alive. This adds an extra layer of intensity to what is already one of cricket's most passionate rivalries.
Historical Context and Recent Encounters
India enjoys a favorable head-to-head record against Pakistan in youth ODIs, with 16 wins compared to Pakistan's 12 victories. One match between these teams has ended in a tie. However, the most recent encounter between these sides was particularly painful for India - Pakistan humiliated the Boys in Blue by 191 runs in the U19 Asia Cup final in Dubai just last month. This gives India additional motivation to avenge that heavy defeat in this World Cup clash.
Key Players to Watch
For India:
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi: The spotlight will be firmly on Suryavanshi, who has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the tournament despite some inconsistency. His ability to score big runs could be crucial.
- Abhigyan Kundu: The wicketkeeper-batter has been India's most consistent performer with the bat and will be expected to anchor the innings.
- Vihaan Malhotra: The vice-captain lifted team spirits with a magnificent century against Zimbabwe and will be looking to replicate that form.
- Bowling Attack: The pace trio of Henil Patel, Udhav Mohan, and RS Ambrish has been sharp throughout the tournament, consistently providing early breakthroughs that have put India in commanding positions.
For Pakistan:
- Sameer Minhas and Usman Khan: These two batters have been the pillars of Pakistan's batting lineup and will be crucial to their chances.
- Abdul Subhan: The Indian team will need to be particularly wary of Subhan, who has shown the ability to change games with both bat and ball.
Pakistan will be without the services of wicketkeeper Mohammad Shayan, who suffered a nasal bone fracture during training. Abdul Qadir has been named as his replacement for this crucial match.
Match Details and Broadcasting Information
Date: February 1
Time: 1:00 PM IST (9:30 AM Local Time)
Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Global Broadcasting Details:
- India: Star Sports (Linear) and JioHotstar (Digital)
- Pakistan: PTV and Geo Super (Linear), Myco, Tamasha, ARY Zapp and Tapmad (Digital)
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports
- Australia: Amazon Prime Video
- USA and Canada: Willow TV
- Middle East and North Africa: Criclife
- Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport
- New Zealand: Sky TV
In India, the match will be televised on Star Sports channels from 1 PM IST, with live streaming available on the JioStar app and website.
Probable Playing XIs
India U19: Aaron George, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra, Ayush Mhatre (c), Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh, Khilan A. Patel, R.S. Ambrish, Henil Patel, Udhav Mohan, Deepesh Devendran.
Pakistan U19: Sameer Minhas, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Usman Khan, Ahmed Hussain, Farhan Yousaf (c), Huzaifa Ahsan, Mohammad Shayan, Abdul Subhan, Ali Raza, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam.
This match promises to be a classic encounter between two of cricket's fiercest rivals, with both teams having everything to play for. The Indian team will be particularly motivated to avenge their Asia Cup final humiliation while securing their place in the World Cup semifinals.
