India U19 take on New Zealand U19 in their final Group B fixture at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on January 24.
Both teams have already secured Super Six berths, but this contest will determine who tops the group.
The defending champions’ campaign has been smooth with two wins from two matches.
New Zealand, meanwhile, has had both its games washed out, leaving it desperate for playing time ahead of the knockout phase.
India’s recent form includes a dominant 201-run victory over the USA and a comfortable 84-run win against Bangladesh.
New Zealand’s only competitive action came in warm-up matches, making this their first full outing in the tournament proper.
Group positioning will carry significant weight as points from group stage matches against Super Six-qualified teams transfer forward.
IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Today U19 WC
A win here strengthens either side’s path to the semifinals.
IND U19 vs NZ U19 Match Preview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | India U19 vs New Zealand U19, Group B |
| Date | 24 January 2026 |
| Time | 9:30 AM Local / 1:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo |
| Format | 50-over ODI |
| Broadcast | Star Sports, JioHotstar |
Topping Group B gives the winner a psychological edge and potentially favorable fixtures in the Super Six stage. India has played on this ground twice already, giving them familiarity with the conditions.
New Zealand’s net run rate remains neutral due to washouts. They need either a convincing win or a competitive showing to improve their standing before the Super Six calculations begin.
Tournament Context
- Tournament Overview
The 16th edition of the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup runs from January 15 to February 6, 2026. Zimbabwe and Namibia are co-hosts, with 16 teams competing across 41 matches at five venues. The format includes a group stage, followed by Super Six, semifinals, and the final.
- Qualification Scenario
Both teams have qualified, but their group stage points against each other will carry forward to the Super Six. Winning here provides bonus points and momentum heading into the tougher phase of the competition.
- Defending Champions
Australia won the 2024 title, defeating India in the final. India, the most successful team in U19 World Cup history with five titles, is looking to reclaim their crown after falling short in the previous edition.
IND U19 vs NZ U19 Squads
- India U19 Squad
Ayush Mhatre leads the side with Vihaan Malhotra as his deputy. Wicketkeeping duties are handled by Abhigyan Kundu and Harvansh Singh. The bowling attack features pace options in Henil Patel and Khilan Patel, supported by spin from Mohamed Enaan and D. Deepesh.
- New Zealand U19 Squad
Tom Jones captains a relatively inexperienced group. Hugo Bogue and Snehith Reddy provide batting firepower, while Mason Clarke leads the pace attack. Callum Samson and Flynn Morey handle wicketkeeping responsibilities.
Injury Updates
- India U19 Fitness Status
No injury concerns reported in the Indian camp. The team management is expected to field an unchanged XI following back-to-back victories.
- New Zealand U19 Fitness Status
Full squad available for selection. The management may rotate players to test combinations ahead of the Super Six stage.
Pitch Report
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Nature | Balanced, slight help for bowlers |
| Average Score | Approx. 240–250 |
| Pace Assistance | Swing and seam early |
| Spin Factor | Effective in the middle overs |
| Toss Impact | Bowling first preferred |
Fantasy teams should prioritize opening bowlers who can exploit early conditions and middle-overs spinners. Batters need time to settle, making top-order anchors valuable picks over aggressive middle-order options.
Weather Report
| Condition | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 20–28°C |
| Cloud Cover | Partly cloudy |
| Rain Chance | Moderate |
| Impact | Possible interruptions |
Rain has disrupted multiple fixtures in Bulawayo during this tournament. If overs are reduced, all-rounders become more valuable in fantasy selections. A shortened match also increases the importance of powerplay performers who can make quick impacts.
Head-to-Head Record (U19 World Cup)
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 7 |
| India Wins | 5 |
| New Zealand Wins | 2 |
| India Win % | 71.4% |
India has dominated this fixture historically at the U19 level. Their superior record reflects better squad depth and tournament experience. New Zealand’s two victories came in 2000 and 2012, both in close contests.
Top Picks For The Match
| Player | Team | Role | Why Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abhigyan Kundu | IND | WK-Batter | Consistent top-order runs (122 in 2 matches) |
| Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | IND | Batter | High strike-rate potential, 14-year-old IPL player |
| Henil Patel | IND | Bowler | First 5-wicket haul of the tournament (5/16 vs USA) |
| Vihaan Malhotra | IND | All-rounder | 4/14 vs Bangladesh, Player of the Match |
| Hugo Bogue | NZ | Batter | Aggressive run scorer (115 in warm-up) |
| Mason Clarke | NZ | Bowler | New-ball threat with pace |
| Snehith Reddy | NZ | Batter | 147 in 2024 WC, tournament’s top scorer |
| Tom Jones | NZ | Batter | Captain, 119 on first-class debut |
Conclusion:
The final group match offers both teams a chance to test their combinations before the Super Six stage.
India’s momentum and ground familiarity give them a tactical edge, while New Zealand is eager for match practice after two washouts.
- Match Schedule Snapshot
The match begins at 9:30 AM local time (1:00 PM IST) at Queens Sports Club. Live coverage will be available on Star Sports Network with streaming on JioHotstar.
- Fantasy Selection Focus
Prioritize wicketkeepers with batting form, pace bowlers who can exploit new-ball conditions, and all-rounders who provide dual value. Middle-order batters carry risk given the pitch’s early movement.
- Weather & Toss Impact
Moderate rain risk means captaining reliable performers over high-risk options. Winning the toss and bowling first remains the preferred strategy on this surface.
Also Check:
- ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 Schedule
- ICC U19 World Cup 2026 Squads
-
ICC U19 World Cup 2026 Live Streaming
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