By Admin 
Australia has confirmed its place in the semi-finals of the Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026. For the other 3 spots, the hopes of 6 teams from both the groups are alive while the journey of 5 teams is officially over. The India vs Pakistan match in Group 2 is very important, which will clear the semi-final situation. Know the equations of both the groups.
The India Under-19 vs Pakistan Under-19 match will be played on Sunday, February 1 at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. Both the teams last faced each other in the final of the Asia Cup, in which Pakistan won. Before this match to be held on 1st February, Pakistan would like New Zealand to defeat England, however, even if this does not happen, Pakistan’s hopes will remain intact.
Group 1 equation
South Africa and Ireland are officially out of the race for the semi-finals. There is only Australia, which has confirmed the ticket for the semi-finals. Australia won all four of its matches and has 8 points. West Indies’ chances are there, but slim. West Indies won 2 out of 4 matches and lost 2, the team has 4 points but the net run rate is in minus (-0.421). He wants Afghanistan and England to lose their matches, even then if the difference of runs is not too big then West Indies will be out.
Sri Lanka vs South Africa match is going on, if Sri Lanka wins then it will get 6 points but if it does not win then it will have to depend on other matches. Afghanistan also has 4 points, it can secure the semi-final ticket by scoring 6 points by defeating Ireland. Afghanistan’s net run rate (+1.020) is better than Sri Lanka (-0.181), so Afghanistan’s chances are higher.
Group 2 equation
New Zealand, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh are out of the race for the semi-finals from this group. India is at the top of the points table after winning 3 matches. England (+1.989) have also won 3 matches, but are behind India (+3.337) in terms of net run rate and are in second place. Pakistan (+1.484) is at number three, having won 2 out of 3 matches and lost 1. There are 3 matches left in this group.
- 30 January- New Zealand vs England
- 31 January- bangladesh vs zimbabwe
- 1 February- india vs pakistan
If New Zealand beats England
In this situation, India’s semi-final ticket will be confirmed, but Pakistan’s expectations will also increase. Pakistan can score 6 points by defeating India, then India, England and Pakistan will have 6 points each. India’s net run rate will be better, but Pakistan will have a chance to get a better run rate than England. Although the entire game will be about net run rate, but this is the easiest possibility for Pakistan.
If England beats New Zealand
If England wins the match on Friday, they will secure their place in the semi-finals with 8 points. Then even if Pakistan wins against India, the net run rate will spoil their game. India’s net run rate is +3.337 while Pakistan’s is +1.484. This means that Pakistan will need a miraculous victory, which seems impossible.
If India beats Pakistan
If the Indian Under-19 team defeats Pakistan, then Pakistan will be directly out of the tournament, then there will be no question of net run rate. Then whether England wins or defeats New Zealand, no matter what the difference in runs is, it will not make any difference.