England U19 vs India U19 – U19 World Cup Warm-Up Match Preview

Date: Monday, January 12, 2026
Time: 07:30 GMT
Venue: Bulawayo Athletic Club, Bulawayo
Format: One Day International (ODI)

Match Preview

The U19 World Cup Warm-Up match between England U19 and India U19 promises to be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament. Set to take place at the Bulawayo Athletic Club in Bulawayo, this encounter will not only serve as a crucial final test before the main event but also offer a glimpse of the intense rivalry that has defined the senior teams over the years.

England U19 – A Balanced Side with a Strong Bowling Attack

England U19 have started their warm-up campaign with a convincing 5-wicket victory over New Zealand U19 at the Prince Edward School Ground in Harare. The win showcased their depth in batting and their ability to chase under pressure. England’s bowling unit has been particularly effective, with a mix of pace and spin that could trouble even the most composed batsmen. If their recent performance is anything to go by, the team will be eager to carry that momentum into this high-profile clash.

India U19 – A Fiercely Competitive Unit

India U19 are currently in action in Windhoek, where they are up against Scotland U19 in a live ODI. With a rich tradition in youth cricket, India U19 have consistently produced world-class talents and are expected to bring a blend of aggressive batting and sharp bowling to the table. The team’s performance in this match could be a strong indicator of how they will fare in the World Cup.

Venue and Conditions

The Bulawayo Athletic Club is known for its well-maintained pitch that offers good batting conditions, with some assistance for spinners in the later stages of the game. With the weather expected to remain favorable, both teams will have the opportunity to fully express themselves. The toss could play a significant role, especially if the team batting first can post a competitive total.

Key Players to Watch

• England U19:

  • Batsmen: A strong middle order with players like Harry Brookes and Sam Hain, who have shown consistency in their performances.
  • Bowlers: The pace attack, led by seamer Harry Storer, will look to exploit any loose shots from the Indian batters.

• India U19:

  • Batsmen: The likes of Virat Singh and Yashasvi Jaiswal have been in excellent form and will look to dominate the English bowlers.
  • All-rounders: Players such as Arshdeep Singh could be the difference-maker with both bat and ball in hand.

Match Outlook

This is a mouth-watering clash between two of the most promising youth teams in the world. England U19 will be looking to continue their winning start, while India U19 will be eager to make a strong statement ahead of the tournament. The match is likely to be a tight contest, with both teams vying for dominance in all departments.

Fans can expect a thrilling encounter, with the outcome hanging in the balance until the very end. The performance of the key players and the team's adaptability to the conditions will ultimately decide the winner.

Prediction

While both teams are evenly matched, India U19 might edge out the competition with a well-rounded performance. However, England U19 have the experience and momentum on their side, making it a closely contested match.

Prediction: India U19 by 5 runs

Coverage and Commentary: The match will be live-streamed on the ICC website and app, with expert commentary and analysis available throughout the game.
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