ICC Under-19 World Cup Schedules 2026: India Matches, Venues & Timings

You might be gearing up for the excitement of youth cricket at its finest. The ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 brings together the best young talents from around the globe, showcasing future stars who could dominate international cricket someday. This edition, the 16th in the series, runs from January 15 to February 6, 2026, with matches spread across Zimbabwe and Namibia—marking the first time these nations co-host the U19 cricket tournament.

Imagine the thrill of watching teenagers battle it out in a format that mirrors the senior World Cup. Sixteen teams compete, divided into four groups for the initial stage. The tournament kicks off with high-stakes group matches, advances to the Super Six phase, and culminates in knockout semifinals and a grand final. As defending champions, Australia enters with confidence, but powerhouses like India and England are hot on their heels. You’ve got to appreciate how this youth World Cup often predicts the next big names—think Virat Kohli or Babar Azam, who shone here early on.

Don’t forget the stakes: beyond glory, it’s a platform for scouts and selectors. With your interest in ICC Under 19 World Cup schedules, you’ll find every detail here to plan your viewing. The event emphasizes skill, strategy, and raw passion, making it a must-watch for any cricket fan.

Groups and Team Breakdown

Group A

You start by looking at Group A, which features a mix of established and emerging sides: Australia, Ireland, Japan, and Sri Lanka. Australia, as the defending champions, tops the billing with their aggressive style and strong all-rounders. They’ve dominated recent youth tournaments, and you can expect them to leverage that experience.

Ireland brings a fighting spirit, often punching above their weight in underdog stories. Japan, making strides in associate cricket, adds an element of surprise—their discipline could upset the odds. Sri Lanka, with a rich history in youth cricket, relies on spin wizards and elegant batters. As you follow the match fixtures, keep an eye on how these teams navigate their group clashes.

Group B

Turn your attention to Group B: Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, and USA. India, five-time winners, enters as favorites with a squad brimming with IPL prospects. Their batting depth and pace attack make them formidable—you’ve seen how they dismantle oppositions in past editions.

Bangladesh, the 2020 champions, thrives on home-like conditions in southern Africa. New Zealand offers balanced play, while USA represents growing cricket in the Americas. You might wonder about potential upsets; this group’s dynamics promise tight contests in the U19 cricket tournament.

Group C

In Group C, you’ll find England, Pakistan, Scotland, and Zimbabwe. England boasts a robust setup, drawing from county academies for seamers and dynamic openers. Pakistan, always unpredictable, could produce match-winners with their flair.

Scotland aims to build on European qualifiers, and host Zimbabwe hopes for home advantage to rally the crowds. As you check the team groups, note how rivalries like England vs. Pakistan add spice to the youth World Cup.

Group D

Finally, Group D includes Afghanistan, South Africa, Tanzania, and West Indies. Afghanistan’s spin-heavy approach suits the pitches, making them dark horses. South Africa, with athletic fielders and fast bowlers, mirrors their senior team’s prowess.

Tanzania debuts excitingly, while West Indies brings Caribbean flair—power hitting and express pace. You can sense the diversity here, enriching the overall tournament narrative.

ICC Under 19 World Cup Schedule 2026

Super Six Stage (January 25-February 1, 2026)

Now you enter the intensified Super Six, where top teams from paired groups (A/D and B/C) compete in cross-matches. Starting January 25: Australia vs. South Africa, India vs. New Zealand (rematch vibes). Venues rotate between Harare and Bulawayo.

January 27 brings India vs. Zimbabwe—India won big by 204 runs. The stage sees upsets and stars emerging. By January 30, Afghanistan vs. Ireland; January 31, Bangladesh vs. Zimbabwe (Bangladesh by 74 runs).

Culminating February 1: India vs. Pakistan at Queens, where India triumphed by 58 runs, securing top spot. You feel the tension in these games, as only top two per Super Six group reach semifinals.

Knockout Stages

The semifinals ignite on February 3: Australia vs. England at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, starting 1:00 PM IST. Australia, unbeaten, faces England’s solid unit—expect a classic.

February 4: Afghanistan vs. India at Harare Sports Club. India, also unbeaten, meets Afghanistan’s resilient side. You’ve followed their paths; now it’s do-or-die.

The final on February 6 at Harare Sports Club pits semifinal winners. Who lifts the trophy? You anticipate a thrilling climax to the youth cricket World Cup.

Venues and Hosting Details

You picture the vibrant atmospheres at these grounds. Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo hosts many, including semifinals—known for balanced pitches favoring both bat and ball.

Harare Sports Club and Takashinga in Harare offer spin-friendly surfaces, ideal for subcontinental teams. In Namibia, HP Oval and Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek provide faster tracks, suiting pacers.

Weather in January-February? Mostly sunny, but occasional showers— as seen in early matches. Pitches vary: Zimbabwe’s wear down for spinners, Namibia’s assist seam. You plan around these for better predictions.

Co-hosting boosts African cricket. Zimbabwe’s passionate fans and Namibia’s emerging infrastructure make it special.

How to Watch and Follow

You won’t miss a ball with options galore. In India, tune into Star Sports channels for live telecast—comprehensive coverage with expert analysis.

Stream on Disney+ Hotstar app; it’s seamless for on-the-go viewing. Globally, check ICC’s official site or local broadcasters.

For real-time updates, use the ICC app or sites like ESPNcricinfo. You track live streaming, highlights, and stats effortlessly.

Current Tournament Status (As of February 2026)

As of February 2, the Super Six wrapped up. India topped Group 2 unbeaten, highlighted by their Pakistan win—standout: a century and bowling heroics.

Australia led Group 1 flawlessly, Afghanistan second with key victories. England secured their semi spot dominantly.

Surprises? Afghanistan’s rise, Tanzania’s debut grit. You note young guns like India’s skipper or Australia’s pacers shining.

Path to final: Semis decide contenders. Excitement builds—who claims the youth crown?

FAQ

What is the format of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026?

You have 16 teams in four groups, top three advance to Super Six (two pools), top two per pool to semis, then final.

When and where is the final match?

February 6 at Harare Sports Club, starting 1:00 PM IST.

Which teams have qualified for the semifinals?

Australia, England, Afghanistan, India.

How can I watch the matches live?

Star Sports TV or Disney+ Hotstar in India; check local options elsewhere.

Who are the defending champions?

Australia, aiming for back-to-back titles.

Wrapping Up

You’ve now got the full scoop on ICC Under 19 World Cup schedules—from groups to finals. This tournament’s blend of skill and unpredictability keeps you hooked.

Predictions? India looks strong, but underdogs like Afghanistan could surprise. Stay engaged; follow the action and witness cricket’s future unfold.

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