The next generation of cricket stars is on display as the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 unfolds across Zimbabwe and Namibia. Running from January 15 to February 6, this prestigious tournament features 16 teams battling for glory in the 50-over format.
With 41 matches scheduled over 23 days, the competition promises intense action as young cricketers aim to follow in the footsteps of legends who once graced this stage.
Current Group Standings
Group A
| Position | Team | Matches | Won | Lost | No Result | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sri Lanka U19 (Q) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +3.090 |
| 2 | Australia U19 (Q) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +2.047 |
| 3 | Ireland U19 (E) | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | -1.661 |
| 4 | Japan U19 (E) | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | -3.615 |
Group B
| Position | Team | Matches | Won | Lost | No Result | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India U19 (Q) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +2.025 |
| 2 | New Zealand U19 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0.000 |
| 3 | Bangladesh U19 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -0.621 |
| 4 | USA U19 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -3.144 |
Group C
| Position | Team | Matches | Won | Lost | No Result | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | England U19 (Q) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +1.562 |
| 2 | Pakistan U19 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -0.074 |
| 3 | Scotland U19 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -0.662 |
| 4 | Zimbabwe U19 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -3.304 |
Group D
| Position | Team | Matches | Won | Lost | No Result | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Afghanistan U19 (Q) | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | +2.487 |
| 2 | South Africa U19 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +3.010 |
| 3 | West Indies U19 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -0.347 |
| 4 | Tanzania U19 (E) | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | -5.446 |
Tournament Structure Overview
Competition Timeline:
- Total Matches: 41 games across 23 days
- Group Stage: 24 matches (January 15-24)
- Super Six Stage: 12 matches (January 25 – February 1)
- Knockouts: 3 matches (February 3-6)

Path To Glory: Qualification System
The tournament follows a multi-stage progression format:
Stage 1 – Group Phase: Sixteen teams compete in four groups of four. Each team plays the others in their group, with the top three advancing to the Super Six stage.
Stage 2 – Super Six: The 12 qualified teams are divided into two groups. Crucially, teams carry forward points earned against other qualifying teams from the group stage, making every group match vital.
Stage 3 – Plate Competition: Fourth-placed teams from each group enter classification matches to determine final tournament rankings.
Stage 4 – Semi-Finals: The top two teams from each Super Six group advance to knockout semi-finals.
Stage 5 – Final: Semi-final winners battle for the championship title.
Understanding Net Run Rate
Net Run Rate (NRR) plays a decisive role when teams finish level on points. Group-stage performances directly impact Super Six standings since only points against qualifying opponents carry forward. A heavy defeat can severely damage NRR, potentially eliminating teams despite having equal points with rivals.
Title Contenders And Tournament History
India U19 enters as the most successful nation in tournament history with five titles and a remarkable record of producing international stars. The young Indians have already started strongly with a commanding victory over the USA.
Australia U19, the reigning 2024 champions, boasts four titles and an exceptional track record of developing players for the senior team. Their reputation for consistent performance makes them perennial favorites.
Pakistan U19 remains a powerhouse with multiple championships and a proud tradition of nurturing world-class fast bowlers. South Africa consistently features among the leading contenders, while emerging nations continue to spring surprises that make the tournament unpredictable and exciting.
West Indies U19 has also begun its campaign impressively, signaling its intent to challenge the established order.
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Conclusion: Stay Updated With ICC U19 World Cup
The points table updates regularly throughout the tournament to reflect match results, points totals, and Net Run Rate changes. As the group stage progresses toward the Super Six and knockout phases, every match carries significant weight in determining which teams will lift the coveted trophy on February 6, 2026.
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