The final of the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 will be contested between England U19 and India U19 at Harare Sports Club, Harare on Friday, February 6. Both the sides have been extremely consistent throughout the tournament and will be looking to finish on top to lift the trophy. 

England U19, led by Thomas Rew, have been outstanding throughout the competition. They were the first team to reach the Super Six stage after winning all their group matches. England continued their good form in the Super Six round, finishing at the top along with India. They had also registered a comprehensive 27-run win over Australia in the semi-final to advance to the final.

Under the captaincy of Ayush Mhatre, India U19 have also been unstoppable. Sitting atop the points table after the league stage, they extended that imperious form into the Super Six as well, emerging victorious in each of theirs. In the semi-final, India produced a comfortable seven-wicket win over Afghanistan, with the batters leading the charge in a calm chase.

ENG U19 vs IND U19: Head-to-Head

• Matches Played: 55
  
• England U19 Won: 13
  
• India U19 Won: 41
  
• Tied: 1
  
• No Result: 0

ENG U19 vs IND U19: Pitch Report

The pitch at Harare Sports Club usually offers help to both batters and bowlers. Fast bowlers get a little movement early, while spinners have a big role later on in the match. Once batters get settled in the crease, it becomes easy to score; building partnerships is crucial.

See Also: Sri Lanka warns Pakistan of financial loss for forfeiting India clash in T20 World Cup 2026

ENG U19 vs IND U19: Predicted Playing XIs

England U19 (ENG U19):

Thomas Rew (c/wk), Ben Dawkins, Ben Mayes, Caleb Falconer, Ralphie Albert, Joseph Moores, Farhan Ahmed, James Minto, Manny Lumsden, Sebastian Morgan, Alex French

India U19 (IND U19):

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

England have announced their squad for the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 as they look to end their long wait for another U19 title. England last won the tournament in 1998 under Owais Shah, with Graeme Swann also part of that famous squad. Since then, the Three Lions have reached only one final, which came in 2022.

For the 2026 edition, 18-year-old Somerset wicketkeeper-batter Thomas Rew has been named captain. He will be supported by 17-year-old Farhan Ahmed, the younger brother of Rehan Ahmed, who has been appointed vice-captain. Farhan recently led the side during their seven-match series against the West Indies.

England has selected a squad that combines county experience with young talent. The team management believes this group has the right balance to compete strongly in Zimbabwe, where the tournament will be played.

Key Players to Watch and Coach’s View

Batters Ben Dawkins of Kent and Caleb Falconer of Middlesex are among the key players in the squad. Both have impressed at age-group level and were expected selections. One notable absence is Middlesex medium pacer Jack Nelson, who took eight wickets in four matches against the West Indies.

Young Lancashire bowler Luke Hands, who has just turned 17, will be another player to keep an eye on. Along with him, 18-year-old all-rounder Ralphie Albert and top-order batter Isaac Mohammed add depth and variety to England’s squad.

Head coach Mike Yardy expressed confidence in the group and said, “We have a balanced squad with a core group of players who already have county experience and who have developed a camaraderie while playing together for the U19s that will serve them well during the tournament. I really want the players to enjoy the opportunity to play at a World Cup, in a beautiful country like Zimbabwe, and to embrace the chance to compete against different countries and show their quality.”

England are placed in Group C alongside Pakistan, Scotland, and Zimbabwe. They will begin their campaign with a high-profile match against Pakistan on Friday, January 16.

England Squad for U19 World Cup 2026

Thomas Rew (c) (wk), Farhan Ahmed (vc), Ralphie Albert, Ben Dawkins, Caleb Falconer, Ali Farooq, Alex French, Alex Green, Luke Hands, Manny Lumsden, Ben Mayes, James Minto, Isaac Mohammed, Joe Moores and Sebastian Morgan.