The ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 is heading into a dramatic finish as the final Super Six matches are set to be played over the next few days. Every game now carries huge importance, with Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan fighting hard to book a place in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 semi-finals.
Australia seal spot as Group 2 battle heats up ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 semifinal spot
Australia has already done their job in Group 1 and sealed a place in the top four. Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have chances to progress in the semifinals from Group 1. All eyes are now on Group 2, where England and India look set to move into the last four.
England and India have been flawless so far in the Super Six stage. They are unbeaten with three wins from three matches. With six points already in the bag, England and India are clear favourites to finish in the top two. However, India U19 has a far better net run rate (+3.337) than England (+1.989).
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England vs New Zealand clash to lock one Semi-Final spot
England U19’s final Super Six match is against New Zealand on January 30, and they are favourites to win the game. The New Zealand U19 team suffered heavy defeats in this round, losing with 141 balls remaining against India and with a massive 197 balls left against Pakistan.
If England U19 beats New Zealand, they will move to eight points and confirm their semi-final spot without any complications. However, the real drama is building around the final Super Six match between India and Pakistan on Sunday, February 1, in Bulawayo.
India vs Pakistan set for high-voltage decider
This high-voltage Super Six clash could decide who stays alive in the ongoing ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 and who gets knocked out. If England beats New Zealand U19, either India or Pakistan will be able to qualify for the semi-finals. Presently, India is in a much safer position.
They have six points and a very strong net run rate. On the other hand, Pakistan has four points and a net run rate of 1.484. Despite the gap, Pakistan U19 still have a narrow but clear path to qualification if they can produce a big win against India on Sunday.
The scenario is not looking impossible at the moment. If Pakistan bats first and scores 300 runs, they will need to beat India by at least 85 runs to go ahead on net run rate. If Pakistan bowls first and restricts India to 200, they will need to chase the target in around 31 and a half overs.
If India scores 251, Pakistan will need to reach it in roughly 33 overs. These targets are tough, but not beyond reach. The recent Asia Cup 2025 encounter makes this contest even more interesting. Last month, Pakistan crushed India by 191 runs in the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup. That result proves Pakistan is capable of pulling off a huge win if everything goes their way.
Rare scenario could send both India and Pakistan into semis
There is also a slim chance that both India and Pakistan could qualify together for the semifinals, but several things would need to fall into place. New Zealand U19 would first have to beat England, which currently looks very unlikely based on form. Then Pakistan would need to beat India.
In that case, England, India, and Pakistan would all finish on six points, and net run rate would decide the top two teams. In Group 1, Australia U19 is confirmed for the semifinals. Afghanistan are strong favourites due to their superior net run rate, while Sri Lanka must beat South Africa and depend on Ireland upsetting Afghanistan to reach the semi-finals.
