The ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 is heading towards a dramatic finale as the final Super Six matches are set to be played over the next few days. Now every game is of utmost importance, with Pakistan, India and Afghanistan fighting hard to make it to the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 semi-finals.
Australia have sealed their place in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 semi-finals amid Group 2 battle
Australia have already made their way into Group 1 and have secured a place in the top four. Sri Lanka and Afghanistan from Group 1 are likely to reach the semi-finals. All eyes are now on Group 2, where England and India look certain to reach the last four.
The performance of England and India so far in the Super Six stage has been impeccable. They are unbeaten with three wins from three matches. With six points already, England and India are clear favorites to finish in the top two. However, India U19’s net run rate (+3.337) is much better than England (+1.989).
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Competition between England and New Zealand to secure a place in the semi-finals
England U19’s final Super Six match is against New Zealand on January 30, and they are favorites to win the game. The New Zealand U19 team suffered heavy defeats in this round, losing against India with 141 balls remaining and against Pakistan with 197 balls remaining.
If England U19s beat New Zealand, they will have eight points and book their semi-final spot without any complications. However, the real drama is building around the final Super Six match between India and Pakistan to be held in Bulawayo on Sunday, February 1.
India vs Pakistan gearing up for high-voltage decider
This high-voltage Super Six encounter could decide who survives and who is out of the ongoing ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026. If England beats New Zealand U19, then either India or Pakistan will qualify for the semi-finals. At present India is in a very safe situation.
He has six points and the net run rate is quite strong. Pakistan, on the other hand, has four points and a net run rate of 1.484. Despite the difference, Pakistan U19 still have a narrow but clear path to qualification if they can pull off a big win against India on Sunday.
At present the scenario does not look impossible. If Pakistan bats first and scores 300 runs, it will have to beat India by at least 85 runs to move ahead on net run rate. If Pakistan bowls first and restricts India to 200, they will have to chase the target in approximately 31 and a half overs.
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If India scores 251 runs, Pakistan will have to reach it in about 33 overs. These goals are difficult, but not beyond reach. The recent Asia Cup 2025 match makes this match even more interesting. Last month, Pakistan defeated India by 191 runs in the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup. This result proves that if everything goes their way then Pakistan is capable of achieving a big victory.
Rare scenario could send both India and Pakistan into the semi-finals
There is also a slight chance that both India and Pakistan can qualify for the semi-finals together, but many things will need to go right. New Zealand U19 will first have to beat England, which looks extremely unlikely based on form at the moment. Then Pakistan will have to defeat India.
In that case, England, India and Pakistan will all finish on six points, and net run rate will decide the top two teams. In Group 1, Australia U19 are through to the semi-finals. Afghanistan are favorites due to their better net run rate, while Sri Lanka will have to beat South Africa to reach the semi-finals and will have to rely on Ireland beating Afghanistan.