Australia Under19s vs South Africa Under19s – ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026 Match Preview

Date: 25 January 2026
Time: 07:30 GMT
Venue: High Performance Oval, Windhoek
Match: Australia Under19s vs South Africa Under19s
Stage: Super Six – Match 26
Series: ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026

Match Overview

The ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026 enters a crucial phase with the Super Six stage, where the best teams from the group stage battle it out to secure a place in the semi-finals. One of the most anticipated clashes of the day is between Australia Under19s and South Africa Under19s at the High Performance Oval in Windhoek. Both teams enter the match with contrasting recent performances, setting up an intriguing encounter between two of the tournament’s top sides.

Team Form and Performance

Australia Under19s

Australia’s Under19 side has been in excellent form, securing their Super Six qualification with a dominant 9-wicket victory over Sri Lanka. The team’s batting unit has been led by Abhigyan Kundu Tamim, who has already scored 122 runs in the tournament, while Henil Patel has been instrumental with the ball, picking up 6 wickets. Australia has a well-balanced squad with a blend of experienced players and emerging talents.

Key players to watch:

• Will Malajczuk – Top batter with a consistent record
• Will Byrom – Key bowler with sharp line and length
• Steve Hogan – Explosive finisher with a knack for six-hitting

Australia’s strategy revolves around aggressive batting and tight bowling, with a strong emphasis on maintaining momentum throughout the innings.

South Africa Under19s

South Africa, on the other hand, had a slightly rocky start to the Super Six, suffering a 55-run defeat at the hands of West Indies. However, they still possess the talent and depth to bounce back. Mohammad Bulbulia has been the standout performer for the Proteas, contributing significantly with the bat. The team has a powerful bowling attack, led by Paul James, and a solid middle order.

Key players to watch:

• Armaan Manack – A consistent run-scorer in the middle overs
• Paul James – Key wicket-taker with a good ability to break partnerships
• Lethabo Phahlamohlaka – A dynamic all-rounder with a strong hitting ability

South Africa will be eager to prove their mettle in this high-stakes encounter, with the aim of regaining their form and momentum.

Head-to-Head and Tactical Insights

This will be a rematch of a closely contested match in the group stage, where Australia came out on top with a well-structured performance. However, the Super Six stage demands a higher level of intensity and consistency.

• Batting First: Australia has a strong batting line-up and is expected to post a formidable total. With the likes of Will Malajczuk and Steve Hogan in their ranks, they can accelerate the scoring rate at crucial junctures.
• Chasing: South Africa’s middle order is robust, and they have the firepower to chase down a challenging target. The likes of Armaan Manack and Lethabo Phahlamohlaka can change the momentum in the final overs.

The toss could be a pivotal moment, with the team winning it likely to choose batting first to capitalize on the pitch’s early assistance.

Key Match Stats

• Top Batter (Predicted):
  • Australia: Will Malajczuk
  • South Africa: Armaan Manack
• Top Bowler (Predicted):
  • Australia: Will Byrom
  • South Africa: Paul James
• Most Sixes (Predicted):
  • Australia: Steve Hogan
  • South Africa: Lethabo Phahlamohlaka
• Player of the Match (Prediction): Will Malajczuk (Australia)
• Team Scores (Prediction):
  • South Africa Under19s (Batting First): 245+
  • Australia Under19s (Chasing): 320+
• Match Winner (Prediction): Australia Under19s

Final Verdict

While South Africa will be looking to make a statement and bounce back from their defeat to West Indies, Australia’s form and depth give them a slight edge. With a strong batting lineup and a disciplined bowling attack, Australia are expected to emerge victorious. However, South Africa will not go down without a fight, and the match is likely to be a thrilling contest of skill and strategy.

Prediction: Australia Under19s to win by a narrow margin.

Tune in for the live action at 07:30 GMT on 25 January 2026 at the High Performance Oval, Windhoek, for what promises to be an exciting clash in the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026.
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