India Under-19 created history by winning the Under-19 World Cup 2026 after a dominant performance in the final. India defeated England Under-19 by 100 runs to lift the trophy. The final was played on February 6 at the Harare Sports Club. With this victory, India secured their record sixth Under-19 World Cup title.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the promising young champions and lauded their performance throughout the tournament. He said the team was talented and disciplined. His message reflected national pride in India’s rising cricket stars. “India’s cricketing talent shines! Proud of our U-19 team for bringing home the World Cup. The team has played very well through the tournament, showcasing exceptional skill. This win will inspire several young sportspersons too. Best wishes to the players for their upcoming endeavours.”

The final saw India deliver a complete all-round performance. India Under 19 batted first and scored 411/9 in their 50 overs. Opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played a brillinat knock. Captain Ayush Mhatre contributed significantly to the innings-building. 

Dominant Final and Record-Breaking Performances

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored an incredible innings of 175 runs off only 80 balls, including 15 fours and 15 sixes at a strike rate of 218.75. He scored a 142-run partnership with Ayush Mhatre before adding further runs quickly with Vedant Trivedi. India’s batting display set the tone for a one-sided final. England bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs.

India’s cricketing talent shines!

Proud of our U-19 team for bringing home the World Cup. The team has played very well through the tournament, showcasing exceptional skill. This win will inspire several young sportspersons too. Best wishes to the players for their upcoming…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 6, 2026

See Also: ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Match 1: PAK vs NED, head-to-head, pitch report and predicted playing XIs

Chasing 412, England Under-19 replied through outstanding innings from Caleb Falconer, who made 115, and Ben Dawkins, who made 66. The run rate, though, remained prohibitive. India’s bowlers kept picking up wickets at regular intervals. England were eventually bowled out for 311 in 40.2 overs.

Right-arm pacer RS Ambrish led the bowling attack with figures of 3/56 from nine overs. He taken key wickets and ensured India stayed in control. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was named Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament, becoming the first player to win both awards in an Under-19 World Cup.

The ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, 2nd Semi-Final match between India U19 and Afghanistan U19 will take place at Harare Sports Club, Harare. The Indian team is unbeaten so far in this tournament, and finished as the table toppers in the Super Six round. They defeated Pakistan in their last match by 58 runs and successfully defended the target of 252 runs.

On the other hand, Afghanistan U19 beat Ireland in their last match by a big margin of 191 runs. Faisal Shinozada was the standout performer for Afghanistan U19 scoring a brilliant hundred. In the bowling department, Abul Aziz and Aqil Khan each took three wickets.

Also Read: ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026: AUS U19 vs ENG U19 Today Match Prediction – 1st Semi-Final, Who Will Win Today?

 IND U19 vs AFG U19 Match Details

• Match: India U19 vs Afghanistan U19, 2nd Semi-Final 

• Date: 4th February 2026

• Time: 1.00 PM IST

• Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare

• Live Streaming: JioHotstar 

IND U19 vs AFG U19 Weather Report

IND U19 vs AFG U19 Pitch Report

The Harare surface is dry and slow, making it hard for batters to find their rhythm early on. Spinners will get turn from the start, while seamers could find a bit of movement with the fresh ball

Top Batters to Watch – IND U19 vs AFG U19

• Faisal Shinozada (AFG U19): 325 runs in this tournament 

• Abhigyan Kundu (IND 19): 199 runs in this tournament 

• Vaibhav Suryavanshi (IND 19): 205 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowlers to Watch – IND U19 vs AFG U19

• Nooristani Omarzai (AFG U19): 12 wickets in this tournament 

• Henil Patel (IND U19): 11 wickets in this tournament 

• RS Ambrish (IND 19): 8 wickets in this tournament 

IND U19 vs AFG U19 Recent Form

IND U19 vs AFG U19 Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If AFG U19 Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 40–50

• Predicted Total: 240–250

• Match Result: IND U19 to win

Scenario 2: If IND U19 bats first

• Powerplay Score: 45–55

• Predicted Total: 270–280

• Match Result: IND U19 to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

IND U19 vs AFG U19 Predicted Playing XIs

India U19

Aaron George, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre (c), Vihaan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu (w), Vedant Trivedi, RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran

Afghanistan U19 

Khalid Ahmadzai, Osman Sadat, Faisal Shinozada, Uzairullah Niazai, Mahboob Khan (w/c), Azizullah Miakhil, Nooristani Omarzai, Abdul Aziz, Roohullah Arab, Wahidullah Zadran, Aqil Khan

Why India U19 Are Favourites Today

• Strong top-order 

• Strong pace attack 

• Recent form is excellent 

IND U19 vs AFG U19 Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

Based on current form, team balance, and superior bowling strength, India U19 are the favourites to win this 2nd semi-final match. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre and Vihaan Malhotra are expected to be the key performers.

IND U19 vs AFG U19 Match FAQs

The 2nd Semi-Final of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 will be played between India U19 and Afghanistan U19 on Wednesday, February 04, at the Harare Sports Club in Harare. Both teams will be eager to give their best in this pressure situation as the winner will move on to the final.

India U19 has been performing extremely well in the tournament and has been living up to their expectations so far. They won all three of their matches in Group B and topped the group by defeating USA, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. The team continued to perform well in the Super Six stage as well and crushed Zimbabwe by a massive 204-run margin before giving a calm and composed performance to defeat Pakistan in a do-or-die match.

Afghanistan U19 have also enjoyed an impressive campaign and have shown great fighting spirit. They won all three of their group matches to move into the Super Six stage with confidence. Although they suffered a setback against Sri Lanka, the Mahboob Khan-led side made a strong comeback by registering a massive 191-run win over Ireland. That victory has kept their hopes alive and given them belief heading into the semi-final.

IND U19 vs AFG U19: Head-to-Head

• Matches Played: 12
  
• India U19 Won: 10
  
• Afghanistan U19 Won: 2
  
• Tied: 0
  
• No Result: 0

IND U19 vs AFG U19: Pitch Report

The Harare Sports Club pitch provides an equal opportunity to both batsmen and bowlers. Fast bowlers can get some initial support with the new ball, while spinners tend to get more success in the latter stages of the match. Once the batsmen are accustomed to the conditions, it becomes relatively easier for them to score despite the assistance available to bowlers.

See Also: Watch: Pakistan Team departs for Sri Lanka ahead of T20 World Cup 2026 amid boycott controversy vs India

IND U19 vs AFG U19: Predicted Playing XIs

India U19 (IND U19):

Aaron George, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre (c), Vihaan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu (w), Vedant Trivedi, RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran

Afghanistan U19 (AFG U19):

Khalid Ahmadzai, Osman Sadat, Faisal Shinozada, Uzairullah Niazai, Mahboob Khan (w/c), Azizullah Miakhil, Nooristani Omarzai, Abdul Aziz, Roohullah Arab, Wahidullah Zadran, Aqil Khan

The record five-time champions India U19 have put one step forward for the Semi-finals of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 after thrashing the hosts Zimbabwe U19 in the Super 6 stage fixture on Tuesday (January 27). 

After Zimbabwe U19 chose to field first, India U19 scored 352/8 in 50 overs. In reply, the hosts were bundled out for only 148 runs in 37.4 overs, as India U19 won the match by 204 runs. In Group 2 of the Super 6 stage, India U19 are on top of the points table with six points after three games. Although they have the same points as England U19, they have a stronger net run rate. Pakistan U19 are battling with them for the Semi-finals spot with four points in three games, as the top two of the group will advance to the Semi-finals. 

U19 World Cup 2026: Why India players are wearing black armbands vs Zimbabwe

Vihaan Malhotra scored ton after Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's powerful start

Indian top-orders provided a fiery start as they managed 100 runs in just 10.1 overs. While the opener Aaron George (23) and the no.3 batter skipper Ayush Mhatre (21) scored 20s, star opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 52 off 30 balls with four fours and four sixes. 

When the Indian colts were struggling at 130/4, Vihaan Malhotra and Abhigyan Kundu controlled the innings with a 113-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Kundu scored 61 off 62 balls, while Vihaan continued his innings till the final over.

Vihaan slammed India's first century in the tournament and scored 109 not out off 107 balls with seven fours. Meanwhile, Khilan Patel had a powerful cameo of 30 in just 12 balls with one four and three sixes. Before Khilan, RS Ambrish (21) also had a useful 20, as Vihaan had the 52-run and 47-run partnerships with Ambrish and Khilan, respectfully. 

Among the home bowlers, Tatenda Chimugoro (3/49) got three wickets, while Simbarashe Mudzengerere (2/51) and Panashe Mazai (2/86) picked up two wickets each. 

Only three Zimbabwe batters managed double-digit scores

In reply, Zimbabwe were losing wickets at regular intervals, starting from the first over. Only three Zimbabwe batters managed to score double-digit runs, as Kian Blignaut (37), Leeroy Chiwaula (62), and Tatenda Chimugoro (29) helped the hosts to manage the three-digit total. The hosts lost their last six wickets for only six runs.

Among the Indian bowlers, Ayush Mhatre (3/14) and Udhav Mohan (3/20) bagged three wickets each, while RS Ambrish (2/19) picked up two wickets.  

While Indian opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi provided a strong start, Vihaan Malhotra guided to the big score with a strong century in the first Super 6 match for India U19 against the hosts Zimbabwe U19 at Bulawayo on Tuesday (January 27).

U19 World Cup 2026: Why India players are wearing black armbands vs Zimbabwe

Indian openers provided strong start

After the hosts Zimbabwe U19 chose to field first, Indian openers Aaron George and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi provided a quickfire 44-run partnership for the first wicket in just 4.1 overs. After Aaron was dismissed for 23 runs, Vaibhav and captain Ayush Mhatre guided India U19 to 100 runs in 10.1 overs. 

While Vaibhav completed 50 off just 24 balls, he scored 52 off 30 balls with four fours and four sixes. After Vaibhav's dismissal in the 11th over, when India lost two wickets in the same over, the no.5 batter Vihaan Malhotra controlled the Indian innings with his strong batting performance.

Struggling at 130/4, Vihaan and Abhigyan Kundu stabilised the innings with a 113-run partnership for the fifth wicket. While Kundu was dismissed for 61 off 62 balls, Vihaan continued his strong patience innings.

Vihaan Malhotra scored useful century

While Vihaan completed his 50 runs in 57 balls, he reached the three-figure mark in 104 balls. He reached the century with a four, as Vihaan remained not out for 109 runs in 107 balls with seven fours. It was the first century by an Indian in the ongoing ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026.

As RS Ambrish (28) and Khilan Patel (30 off 12 balls) played some powerful cameos, where Khilan especially slammed one four and three sixes in his brisk innings, India U19 scored 352/8 in 50 overs.

Zimbabwe Under-19 will take on India Under-19 in Super Six Match 6 of the U19 World Cup 2026 at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, on Tuesday, January 27.

Zimbabwe U19 had a difficult group stage, where they failed to register a win, with two losses and one abandoned match. The hosts will now look to start fresh in the Super Six stage and put up a stronger fight against a confident Indian side. Playing at home, Zimbabwe will hope their young players step up and deliver a competitive performance.

India U19, meanwhile, have enjoyed a perfect run so far in the tournament. They won all their group matches against the USA, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. Looking ahead to the Super Six, the Indian team will look to carry on the momentum of winning and increase their chances of going deep into the tournament with another all-round performance.

ZIM U19 vs IND U19: Head-to-Head Record

• Matches Played: 6
• Zimbabwe U19 Won: 0
• India U19 Won: 6
• Tied: 0
• No Result: 0

ZIM U19 vs IND U19: Pitch Report

The surface at Queens Sports Club usually offers good help to fast bowlers, especially early in the innings. Batters have to be careful in the beginning because the ball tends to move around. Once they get a settled position, it becomes easier to score, and those players who get a chance to spend time in the middle can develop good partnerships.

See Also: SL vs ENG, 3rd ODI: Head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

ZIM U19 vs IND U19: Predicted Playing XIs

Zimbabwe Under 19 (ZIM U19):

Simbarashe Mudzengerere (c), Nathaniel Hlabangana, Kupakwashe Muradzi (wk), Dhruv Patel, Kian Blignaut, Brandon Senzere, Michael Blignaut, Leeroy Chiwaula, Tatenda Chimugoro, Panashe Mazai, Shelton Mazvitorera

India Under 19 (IND U19):

Ayush Mhatre (c), Vihaan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi, Kanishk Chouhan, RS Ambrish, Aaron George, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Mohamed Enaan

Visitors India U19 claimed a giant win in the third and last game of the three-match Youth ODI series against South Africa U19, as they completed the whitewash. It was a great series for India U19 ahead of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026, starting on January 15. 

In the final game of the series on Wednesday (January 7), South Africa U19 chose to field first after winning the toss. While India U19 scored 393/7 in 50 overs, South Africa U19 were bundled out for only 160 runs in 36 overs, as India U19 won the match by 233 runs. 

Both Indian openers slammed centuries

Indian openers, Aaron George and captain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had a strong 227-run partnership in 25.4 overs for the first wicket. Both the openers scored centuries, as Vaibhav scored 127 off 74 balls with nine fours and 10 sixes, while Aaron scored 118 off 106 balls with 16 fours.  

After the openers stromy batting, the no.3 batter Vedant Trivedi scored 34 off 42 balls, while the no.8 batter Mohamed Enaan (28 not out off 19 balls) and the no.9 batter Henil Patel (19 not out off 21 balls) played some useful cameos.

Among the African bowlers, Ntando Soni (3/61) got three wickets, and Jason Rowles (2/59) had two wickets. 

South Africa U19 lost their first four wickets for 15 runs

In reply, South Africa U19 lost their first four wickets for only 15 runs, as none of their top four batters managed to reach double-digit scores. While the middle-order batters Daniel Bosman (40), Paul James (41), and Corne Botha (36*) scored some good runs, Jason Rowles (19) was the only other batter to manage a double-digit score in that innings. 

All seven Indian bowlers got at least one wicket, including the skipper Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (2-0-10-1), while Kishan Singh scalped three wickets (3/15) and Mohamed Enaan got two wickets (2/36). 

In their first two meetings of the series, India U19 claimed a 25-run win (DLS method) and an eight-wicket win with 21 balls remaining (DLS method).  

India U19 captain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi slammed a 63-ball century against the hosts South Africa U19 in the last game of the three-match series on Wednesday (January 7).

After the hosts chose to field first, the Indian openers provided a solid start. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Aaron George set a 227-run partnership for the first wicket in just 25.4 overs. 

See Also: India U19 squad for ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 127 off 74 balls 

Skipper Vaibhav hit his third Youth ODI century in just 63 balls with the help of six fours and eight sixes. After scoring 127 runs off 74 balls with nine fours and 10 sixes, Vaibhav was dismissed in the 26th over. 

Also, the other opener Aaron Geroge hit a century, as he scored 118 off 106 balls with 16 fours before losing his wicket, while India U19 were batting at 279/2 in 34.5 overs. 

Previously, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hit two Youth ODI centuries, 143 off 78 balls against the hosts England U19 last July and 171 off 95 balls against UAE U19 last December during the Asia Cup U19.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in great form

Vaibhav is in great form ahead of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026, which Zimbabwe and Namibia will host between January 15 and February 6. In the last 10 innings, he slammed three centuries and two more half-centuries. Apart from scoring 171 against the UAE U19 during the Asia Cup U19 and the latest century, his other century in the last 10 innings was 190 for Bihar against Arunachal Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, where his team had the record-breaking total of 574/6 in 50 overs. 

Even in the last game, where India U19 secured the series with a comfortable victory, the Indian skipper Vaibhav scored 68 off just 24 balls with one four and 10 sixes. 

Visitors India U19 secure the three-match Youth ODI series against the hosts South Africa U19 on Monday (January 5), after claiming an eight-wicket win in the revised target chase in the second game of the series. India U19 have produced some strong performances just ahead of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026, which Zimbabwe and Namibia will host between January 15 and February 6, 2026. 

Trailing the series by 1-0, the hosts chose to bat first. While South Africa U19 scored 245 all out in 49.3 overs, India U19 chased down the final revised target of 174 runs after losing two wickets with 21 balls remaining. 

Kishan Singh shone with the ball for India U19

The no.4 batter Jason Rowles slammed a century in the first innings, which played a huge role for South Africa U19 to manage a good total, as only two more home batters managed to score 20+ runs in that innings. While Rowles scored 114 off 113 balls with seven fours and three sixes, opener Adnaan Lagadien (25) and Daniel Bosman (31) managed to score some crucial runs. 

Among the Indian bowlers, the left-arm pacer Kishan Singh got four wickets with the bowling figures of 8.3-1-46-4, the right-arm medium pacer RS Ambrish picked up two wickets (8-0-47-2). 

Skipper Vaibhav Suryavanshi slammed 10 sixes to score 68 runs

In chase, captain Vaibhav Suryavanshi recorded a 19-ball half-century, as the southpaw scored 68 runs off 24 balls with the help of one four and 10 sixes. Later, India U19 got the revised target of 230 runs in 42 overs, which was once again reduced to 174 runs target in 27 overs. 

While the other Indian opener Aaron George scored 20 runs, Vedant Trivedi and Abhigyan Kundu remained not out with 31 runs and 48 runs, respectively. India U19 comfortably won the game by eight wickets to secure the series with one match yet to be played. 

In the second Youth ODI against the hosts South Africa U19, India U19 captain Vaibhav Suryavanshislammed a firing half-century with almost 90 percent of scoring shot was sixes in the chase of the revised target.

While South Africa U19 were all out for 245 runs in 49.3 overs, India U19 later got the revised target of 230 runs in 42 overs under the DLS method, when the visitors were batting at 103/2 in just 11 overs. Even before the revised target set after the rain interruption, the Indian captain for this tour already produced his powerful batting performance before losing his wicket.

See Also: Virat Kohli to Miss Delhi vs Railways Match in Ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy

Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored 68 runs from 24 balls, thanks to 10 sixes

Captain Vaibhav Suryavanshi completed his half-century in just 19 balls with the help of eight sixes. With the help of 10 sixes and one four, Vaibhav scored 68 runs off just 24 balls before losing his wicket in the ninth over. Out of his 68 runs, 60 runs came from only sixes. 

In the eighth over, when Vaibhav completed his half-century, he slammed three consecutive sixes along with a four in the first four balls of that over. 

Skipper Vaibhav had a 67-run partnership with his opening partner Aaron George, who scored 20 off 19 balls with three fours. 

Jason Rowles scored century for South Africa U19

Earlier in the first innings, Jason Rowles slammed a century by scoring 114 runs off 113 balls with seven fours and three sixes. Middle-order batter Daniel Bosman (3`1) and opener Adnaan Lagadien (25) were the only other batters to reach the 20-run mark in that innings. Among the Indian bowlers, the left-arm pacer Kishan Singh bagged four wickets (4/46).