Pakistan are on the brink of elimination from the U-19 World Cup 2026 after England secured a semi-final spot with a win over New Zealand in the Super Six stage. Only one team between India and Pakistan can qualify for the semi-finals from Group B, making their upcoming game even more intense.
England, led by Thomas Rew, are unbeaten in the ongoing tournament, but they have still not secured the top position in their group. Their semi-final opponent will be either Australia or Afghanistan. The standings will be confirmed after the match between India and Pakistan on Sunday, February 1.
How India and Pakistan Can Reach U-19 World Cup Semi-Finals?
India have a chance to reach the semi-finals. A win against Pakistan will help India finish as the top team from Group 2. A loss, however, could bring net run rate into play and change the picture.
Meanwhile, Pakistan need more than just a victory to move ahead. If they bat first, they must win by 105 runs or more to finish above India. If they chase, they need to score very quickly. For example, a target of 251 must be reached in 29.4 overs or fewer, with even faster chases required for lower totals.
With a semi-final spot on the line, the high-stakes match will take place at the Queen’s Sports Club in Bulawayo. Notably, Pakistan and India are not placed in the same group in the tournament.
Pakistan Suffer Injury Blow as Mohammad Shayan Ruled Out Ahead of India Clash
Pakistan have suffered a big blow ahead of their match against India, with wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Shayan ruled out of the tournament due to injury. The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that Shayan suffered a fracture after being hit on the nose while wicketkeeping during a practice match.
Shayan was taken to hospital, where X-rays revealed the injury. As a result, he will miss the remainder of the World Cup, and the PCB said that a replacement will be announced in due course.
“Pakistan U19 wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Shayan has been ruled out of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup after being struck on the nose by a ball while wicketkeeping to a fast bowler during a scenario-based practice match,” the PCB said in a statement.
India U-19 Team Interacts With Sachin Tendulkar Ahead of Pakistan Clash
The India U-19 cricket team interacted with batting legend Sachin Tendulkar through a virtual session ahead of their Super Six match against Pakistan in the World Cup. The discussion came at a crucial stage of the tournament.
Tendulkar shared guidance beyond batting and fitness. He spoke about staying focused, disciplined, humble, and calm during success, reminding the young players to remain grounded under pressure.
Tendulkar also spoke from experience. He played in ICC World Cups from 1992 to 2011, scored 2,278 runs in 45 matches, and remains the only player to appear in six World Cups, finishing his career by winning the 2011 edition.
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