India U19 will be taking on Bangladesh U19 in the 7th match of the U19 World Cup 2026 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Saturday, January 17. Led by Ayush Mhatre, India had a strong start to their campaign with a convincing six-wicket victory over USA U19 in their first match. Opting to bowl first, the Indian bowlers put up a stellar performance, bundling out their opponents for just 107 runs. Henil Patel was the standout performer, claiming a five-wicket haul. Despite rain interruptions, India successfully chased down the revised target of 96 runs in 17.2 overs, getting their first points on the board.
On the other hand, Bangladesh U19 will be playing their first game of the tournament after their warm-up fixtures ended without results. Although they reached the semi-finals of the Asia Cup U19 tournament, they were knocked out by Pakistan U19. The upcoming match against India will be a crucial test for the Bangladeshi youngsters.
Pitch Report at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
The pitch at the Queens Sports Club is known to favor the pacers. Batsmen will need to be cautious early on, as the pitch historically offers assistance to the bowlers. Winning the toss and opting to bowl first could be advantageous for both teams.
Predicted Playing XIs
India U19: Ayush Mhatre(c), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi, Vihaan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu(w), Harvansh Pangalia, RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Khilan Patel
Bangladesh U19: Zawad Abrar, Rifat Beg, Farid Hasan Faysal (WK), Rizan Hossan, Azizul Hakim Tamim (C), MD Abdullah, Kalam Siddiki Aleen, Samiun Basir Ratul, Shadin Islam, Saad Islam Rajin, and Iqbal Hossain Emmon.
Probable Top Performers
Best Batter: Abhigyan Kundu
Abhigyan Kundu has been in fine form with the bat for India U19 and will be crucial in the upcoming match. In the previous game, he anchored the innings during a mini-collapse and steered the team to victory. Kundu will aim to replicate his performance against Bangladesh.
Best Bowler: Henil Patel
Henil Patel’s five-wicket haul against USA U19 showcased his talent with the ball. He will be a key asset for India U19 in their upcoming clash with Bangladesh, looking to dominate with his bowling once again.
Prediction
Considering their strong start and impressive performances in the first match, India U19 are likely the favorites to win against Bangladesh U19. However, cricket is a game of uncertainties, and both teams will be eager to put up a competitive show on the field. Fans can expect an exciting battle between the two emerging cricketing nations.
### Key Players to Watch Out For
#### Ayush Mhatre (India U19)
As the captain of the Indian U19 team, Ayush Mhatre will play a crucial role in leading his side against Bangladesh U19. Mhatre impressed in the first match with his strategic decisions and will look to continue his form in the upcoming game. His leadership skills and ability to handle pressure situations make him a player to watch out for.
#### Azizul Hakim Tamim (Bangladesh U19)
Azizul Hakim Tamim, the captain of the Bangladesh U19 team, will be eager to make an impact in their first match of the tournament. Known for his aggressive batting style, Tamim will be looking to lead from the front and set the tone for his team against a strong Indian side. His performance with the bat could be crucial in determining Bangladesh’s success in the match.
### Team Strategies and Tactics
#### India U19
India U19 will aim to capitalize on their strong start to the tournament and maintain their winning momentum against Bangladesh. Their bowlers, led by Henil Patel, will look to exploit the conditions at Queens Sports Club and put pressure on the Bangladeshi batsmen early on. With a solid batting lineup, India will be confident in their ability to chase down targets or set competitive totals.
#### Bangladesh U19
Bangladesh U19, on the other hand, will be focused on making a statement in their first match of the U19 World Cup. They will need to adapt quickly to the conditions in Bulawayo and come up with a game plan to challenge the Indian team. Strong performances from their top order, including players like Zawad Abrar and Rifat Beg, will be essential for Bangladesh to put up a competitive score or defend against India’s batting prowess.
### Match Insights and Expectations
The clash between India U19 and Bangladesh U19 promises to be an intriguing contest between two talented young teams. While India may have the upper hand based on their strong start to the tournament, Bangladesh will be determined to prove themselves on the world stage. The unpredictable nature of cricket adds an element of excitement to the match, as any team can emerge victorious on the day.
### Conclusion
With both teams eager to make a mark in the U19 World Cup 2026, the match between India U19 and Bangladesh U19 is set to be a thrilling encounter. Fans can expect to see a competitive battle between bat and ball, as the young cricketers showcase their talent and potential on the field. The outcome of the match will not only impact the standings in the tournament but also provide valuable experience to the players as they continue their development in the sport. Stay tuned for an exciting clash between these rising cricketing nations.


