Pakistan are on the verge of being eliminated from the Under-19 World Cup 2026 after England made it to the semi-finals with a win over New Zealand in the Super Six stage. Only one team from Group B, India and Pakistan, can qualify for the semi-finals, making their upcoming game even tighter.
Thomas Reeve-led England are unbeaten in the ongoing tournament, but they are yet to top their group. Their semi-final opponent will be either Australia or Afghanistan. The situation will be confirmed after the match between India and Pakistan on Sunday, February 1.
How can India and Pakistan reach the U-19 World Cup semi-finals?
India has a chance to reach the semi-finals. A win against Pakistan will help India finish as the top team from Group 2. However, a defeat can affect the net run rate and change the picture.
Meanwhile, Pakistan needs more than a win to move forward. If they bat first, they will have to win by 105 runs or more to stay above India. If they chase, they need to score very fast. For example, a target of 251 must be achieved in 29.4 overs or less, while a lower score requires an even faster chase.
With a place in the semi-finals assured, this high stakes match will take place at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. It is noteworthy that Pakistan and India have not been placed in the same group in the tournament.
Pakistan suffered an injury blow as Mohammad Shayan was ruled out of the match against India.
Before the match against India, Pakistan has suffered a big blow, wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shayan has been 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 keeping wicket during a practice match.
Shayan was taken to the hospital, where an X-ray revealed the injury. As a result, he will miss the remainder of the World Cup, and the PCB said a replacement would be announced at the appropriate time.
“Pakistan U19 wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shayan has been ruled out of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup after being hit on the nose while wicket-keeping a fast bowler during a scenario-based practice match,” the PCB said in a statement.
India Under-19 team talks to Sachin Tendulkar before the match against Pakistan
India Under-19 cricket team interacted with batting great Sachin Tendulkar through a virtual session ahead of their Super Six match against Pakistan in the World Cup. This discussion took place at an important stage of the tournament.
Tendulkar shared guidance beyond batting and fitness. He talked about staying focused, disciplined, humble and calm during success and reminded the young players to remain on the field even under pressure.
Tendulkar also spoke to Anubhav. He played ICC World Cups from 1992 to 2011, scoring 2,278 runs in 45 matches and remains the only player to appear in six World Cups, ending his career by winning the 2011 edition.
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