India U19 to Face New Zealand U19 in U19 World Cup 2026
India U19 (IND U19) is set to take on New Zealand U19 (NZ U19) in an exciting match of the U19 World Cup 2026 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Saturday, January 24. Led by Ayush Mhatre, the Indian team has had a strong start to their campaign with impressive victories in their first two matches.
India U19’s Performance
The Indian team began their journey in the U19 World Cup with a dominant six-wicket win over USA U19, utilizing the DLS method. They continued this winning momentum in their next match against Bangladesh U19, securing an 18-run victory again via the DLS method. With two wins under their belt, India U19 has already secured a spot in the next round and is keen on extending their winning streak.
New Zealand U19’s Performance
On the other hand, New Zealand U19 has faced challenges with both their matches against USA and Bangladesh ending in no results. Currently, they hold the second spot in Group B’s points table and will be looking to secure a full game victory against India to boost their chances of advancing in the tournament.
Pitch Report
The pitch at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo is known to favor the pacers, making it crucial for the batters to be cautious in the initial stages of the game. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss could prove to be a strategic decision for the teams.
Probable Playing 11s
India U19 (IND U19): Ayush Mhatre(c), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi, Vihaan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu(w), Kanishk Chouhan, Harvansh Pangalia, RS Ambrish, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran
New Zealand U19 (NZ U19): Aryan Mann, Hugo Bogue, Tom Jones(c), Snehith Reddy, Marco Alpe(w), Jacob Cotter, Jaskaran Sandhu, Callum Samson, Flynn Morey, Selwin Sanjay, Mason Clarke
Key Players to Watch
Best Batter Prediction: Abhigyan Kundu
Abhigyan Kundu from India U19 has been in exceptional form, scoring 122 runs in the tournament with an impressive average and strike rate. After a match-winning performance against Bangladesh U19, Kundu will be a key player to watch in the upcoming game against New Zealand.
Best Bowler Prediction: Henil Patel
Henil Patel from India U19 has been a standout performer with five wickets in the first match and will be crucial in the bowling department. His ability to pick wickets at regular intervals will be essential for India’s success in the match.
Match Prediction
Considering India U19’s current form and momentum, they are favored to win the match against New Zealand U19. With a strong batting and bowling lineup, India U19 will be looking to continue their winning streak and secure a third consecutive victory in the U19 World Cup 2026.
India U19’s Dominance in the U19 World Cup 2026
India U19 has been showcasing their dominance in the U19 World Cup 2026 with impressive performances in their first two matches. Led by captain Ayush Mhatre, the team has displayed a combination of skill, strategy, and determination on the field. Their opening win against USA U19 set the tone for their campaign, followed by a convincing victory over Bangladesh U19, showcasing their ability to adapt to different conditions and oppositions.
The batting lineup of India U19 has been firing on all cylinders, with players like Abhigyan Kundu and Vihaan Malhotra leading the charge. Kundu’s consistent performances with the bat have been instrumental in India’s success, while Malhotra’s aggressive approach has added depth to the team’s batting order. The bowlers, spearheaded by Henil Patel and Khilan Patel, have also been in top form, consistently taking crucial wickets and applying pressure on the opposition.
New Zealand U19’s Determination to Turn the Tide
Despite facing challenges in their initial matches, New Zealand U19 is determined to turn the tide in their favor. Captain Tom Jones will be looking to rally his team and put up a strong performance against the formidable Indian side. Players like Aryan Mann and Jacob Cotter have shown glimpses of their talent and will be key in New Zealand’s quest for a breakthrough win in the tournament.
New Zealand’s bowling attack, led by Jaskaran Sandhu and Flynn Morey, will have a crucial role to play in containing India’s explosive batting lineup. The team’s fielding and overall team strategy will be essential in disrupting India’s momentum and creating opportunities to get the upper hand in the match.
The Battle of Strategies on the Pitch
With the pitch at the Queens Sports Club favoring the pacers, both teams will need to approach the game with a well-thought-out strategy. The initial overs will be crucial for the batters to settle in and build partnerships, while the bowlers will look to exploit the conditions and make early breakthroughs.
India might opt to bat first after winning the toss to set a challenging total for New Zealand to chase, utilizing their strong batting lineup to put pressure on the opposition. On the other hand, New Zealand might look to bowl first and restrict India’s run flow, relying on their bowlers to pick up early wickets and control the game.
Exciting Player Matchups to Watch
As the match unfolds, keep an eye on the exciting player matchups that could shape the outcome of the game. The battle between Abhigyan Kundu and New Zealand’s bowling attack will be intriguing to watch, as Kundu looks to continue his run-scoring spree against a determined opposition.
Similarly, the clash between Henil Patel’s bowling prowess and New Zealand’s top-order batsmen will be a key factor in determining the flow of the game. Patel’s ability to strike at crucial moments could tilt the balance in favor of India, while New Zealand will be looking to counter his threat with solid batting performances.
Predicting the Outcome
While India U19 enters the match as favorites based on their current form and performances, cricket is a game of uncertainties, and New Zealand U19 will be eager to stage an upset. The clash between these two talented young sides promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams aiming to make their mark in the U19 World Cup 2026.
Ultimately, the team that executes their game plan effectively, handles the pressure situations well, and capitalizes on key moments will emerge victorious in this thrilling encounter between India U19 and New Zealand U19.


