India U19 face Afghanistan U19 in the 2nd Semi-Final of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 today at Harare Sports Club. This high-stakes clash decides who joins the other finalists in the title decider.
The official fixture is India U19 vs Afghanistan U19, 2nd Semi-Final, ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026. It kicks off on February 4, 2026, at 1:00 PM IST (12:00 PM local time in Harare). The venue is Harare Sports Club in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Harare Sports Club’s pitch is dry and slow, favoring spinners with turn right from the start while seamers get early movement with the new ball. Average first innings score hovers around 255, but it suits pacers slightly more overall. Weather forecasts around 28°C with a 55% chance of rain, so expect possible interruptions—teams might prefer batting first if they win the toss.
A spot in the U19 World Cup final is on the line, where the winner meets the 1st semi-final victor. India chase a record sixth title as five-time champs, while Afghanistan aim for their first final after strong tournament showings. Both sides topped their Super Six groups unbeaten in key games, building massive momentum.
India U19 have been dominant, topping Group B with wins over USA, Bangladesh, and a seven-wicket chase against New Zealand on DLS; they knocked Pakistan out by 58 runs in Super Six thanks to Vedant Trivedi’s fifty and tight bowling. Afghanistan U19 started with a 28-run win over South Africa, chased big totals comfortably, and racked up a massive score led by Faisal Shinozada’s 163 in Super Six to seal semis.
Head-to-Head
India U19 and Afghanistan U19 have clashed multiple times in youth ODIs, with India holding a narrow edge overall—around 10 wins to Afghanistan’s 7 in 20+ meetings, though recent series like a 5-match youth ODI in 2025 split 3-2 for Afghanistan. Last five encounters (youth ODIs): Afghanistan won by 2 wickets, India by 5 wickets, Afghanistan by 3 wickets, India by 2 wickets, India by 9 wickets—tight battles every time.
U19 World Cup Match Details
- Match: AFG U19 vs IND U19
- Date: Feb 04, 2026
- Time: 12:30 PM 7:30 AM GMT / 9:30 AM LOCAL
- Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
U19 World Cup Live Streaming info
The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 runs from January 15 to February 6, 2026, co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Five venues host all matches. The tournament features 41 ODIs, including group stage, Super Sixes, playoffs, semifinals, and final.
Live streaming for the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 varies by country, with broadcasters like Star Sports, Disney Hotstar, and Willow TV holding major rights. Coverage starts January 15, accessible via apps, websites, and TV channels.
- India: Stream on Disney Hotstar app/website; telecast on Star Sports channels.
- USA/Canada: Willow TV and digital platforms for live coverage.
- Sri Lanka: Dialog Television (exclusive Pay-TV) partnering with TV Supreme for free-to-air broadcasts.
- Pakistan: Likely PTV Sports or streaming apps like Tamasha/Daraz (based on prior ICC deals).
Global Alternatives
ICC.tv offers free live streams in select regions like Europe, Middle East (excluding some countries), and parts of Africa, subject to geo-restrictions. Check official ICC site or local providers for VPN-free access and full listings.
Live Streaming Info:
Star Sports will be live: AFG U19 vs IND U19
Live Score Info:
Watch real-time scores, ball-by-ball commentary, and updates on ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz,
India Probable XI: Aaron George, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre (c), Vihaan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu (w), Vedant Trivedi, RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran
Afghanistan Probable XI: Khalid Ahmadzai, Osman Sadat, Faisal Shinozada, Uzairullah Niazai, Mahboob Khan (w/c), Azizullah Miakhil, Nooristani Omarzai, Abdul Aziz, Roohullah Arab, Wahidullah Zadran, Aqil Khan
India U19 Analysis
India’s strength lies in explosive batting depth and versatile bowling, unbeaten run shows their balance under captain Ayush Mhatre. Weakness could be early collapses if spinners exploit the slow pitch. Key players: Ayush Mhatre (c, 3/21 vs Pak), Vedant Trivedi (fifties), Vaibhav Suryavanshi (partnership builder).
Afghanistan U19 Analysis
Afghanistan excel in all-round grit, with big hitting from openers and lethal spin-seam combo; their Super Six form highlights resilience under Mahboob Khan. Batting collapses post-top order is a vulnerability on turning tracks. Standouts: Faisal Shinozada (81, 163), Khalid Ahmadzai (74), Nooristani Omarzai (POTM hauls).
Prediction
India U19 edge it on squad depth, unbeaten streak, and historical pedigree, even on a spinner-friendly pitch—expect them to win by 30-50 runs defending 260 or chasing smartly. Afghanistan’s fightback potential keeps it close, but India’s bowling led by Patel and Chouhan tips the scales.