The stage is set in southern Africa as the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 reaches its business end. Following thirty-eight enthralling matches that have tested the mettle of the world’s best young talent, the field has been narrowed down to just four contenders. With India’s decisive victory over Pakistan in Bulawayo, the semi-final matchups are officially locked and loaded, leaving only three games to decide who will hoist the prestigious trophy.
Under-19 Cricket World Cup semi-finals
The knockout phase promises high-intensity action with two blockbuster matchups featuring the tournament’s most dominant sides. The first semi-final will see a classic rivalry renewed as Australia takes on England on February 3 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Both teams have navigated the tournament without a single loss, making this a true clash of titans.
The second semi-final, scheduled for February 4 at the Harare Sports Club, features an all-Asian battle between India and Afghanistan. While India enters the contest as the 2024 finalists looking to go one step further, Afghanistan arrives with the momentum of a giant-killer, having looked rock solid throughout their campaign. Both matches are scheduled to begin at 23:30 local time.
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Under-19 Cricket World Cup Final
The winners of these two high-stakes encounters will advance to the grand finale on February 6. The championship match will be held at the Harare Sports Club, where one team will cement their legacy as world champions.
Road to the knockout stage: Australia
The defending champions, Australia, have looked imperious, winning five out of five matches to reach the semi-finals unscathed. Many observers have noted that this current squad appears even more complete than the side that lifted the trophy two years ago. Their journey has not been without tests; they were forced to show significant resilience in their final Super Six clash against the West Indies. Despite the pressure, they secured a 22-run victory, proving they can handle adversity.
Having spent the majority of their campaign in Namibia, the Australians have had to quickly adapt to Zimbabwean conditions. This acclimatization remains the only minor question mark over an otherwise flawless “Aussie juggernaut” as they prepare for the knockout rounds.
England
England joins the semi-finalists as another unbeaten powerhouse, securing five comfortable victories. Their campaign began with a statement 36-run win over Pakistan and was capped off by a dominant 65-run defeat of New Zealand to seal their spot in the final four.
The English side has been fueled by record-breaking individual performances. Ben Mayes has been the standout star with the bat, currently leading the tournament’s run-scoring charts with 375 runs at a staggering average of 93.75. On the bowling front, Manny Lumsden has been equally lethal, sitting as the tournament’s joint-top wicket-taker with 13 scalps.
India
India has lived up to its reputation as a perennial contender, showcasing a balanced and deep squad. Their path to the semi-finals included three DLS-impacted wins, but it was their most recent performances against Zimbabwe and Pakistan that truly signaled their intent.
In their crucial match against Pakistan, India secured a 58-run victory to punch their ticket to the semi-finals. A key highlight of their campaign has been the emergence of different match-winners in every game. For instance, Vedant Trivedi played a vital role in their latest success, anchoring the innings with a gritty maiden fifty, scoring 68 off 98 balls. This ability to share the workload across the team makes them a formidable opponent in the winner-take-all stage.
Afghanistan
The rise of Afghanistan continues to be one of the most compelling stories in international cricket. They have reached the pointy end of the tournament by blending clinical aggression with consistency. Their highlights include a 28-run win over South Africa and a massive 138-run victory over the West Indies.
Even after a brief stumble against Sri Lanka, they responded with a crushing 191-run win over Ireland to guarantee their qualification. Afghanistan boasts significant individual talent as well; Faisal Khan is currently the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament with 325 runs, while Nooristani Omarzai occupies the fourth spot on the wicket-taking list with 12 wickets. They head into the semi-final against India with a genuine belief that they can cause an upset and reach their first-ever final.
As the tournament moves to its final chapter, the margin for error has disappeared. With four world-class teams remaining and no second chances left, the quest for U19 World Cup glory is officially at its peak.
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