India face Pakistan for a place in the semi-finals as only one of the teams can go through to the semi-finals.
In the 2026 Under-19 World Cup, India will play Pakistan for the first time in Zimbabwe and Namibia. On Sunday, the game in Bulawayo will begin at 0730 GMT (1pm IST/12.30pm PST).
A semi-final spot is up for grabs in this final Super Sixes round match. Only one of India (six points) and Pakistan (four points) may advance, as England has already advanced to the final four from Group 2. For India, it’s simple: win and advance. Pakistan, whose net run rate of 1.484 is much lower than India’s 3.337, finds it more difficult.
To match India’s six points and surpass them on net run rate, Pakistan will need to win by a significant margin. For instance, Pakistan must win by 85 runs if they bat first and score 300. They will need to chase it down in about 31.5 overs if they bowl first and limit India to about 200. Pakistan will need to win in roughly 33.2 overs to advance to the semi-finals if the goal is, say, 251.
Bulawayo’s pitches have not been very high-scoring; only once, against Zimbabwe, did a side batting first surpass 300. Keep a watch on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, India’s powerful opener, regardless of the surface. He enjoys quick starts and high scores, and he already has an IPL century (for the Rajasthan Royals).
Ali Raza, a quick bowler from Pakistan, may pose a threat early on. He is tied for second place in the event with 12 wickets. Raza has already made his senior domestic cricket debut in all three formats and his PSL debut with Peshawar Zalmi. He dealt severe blows to India in the most recent Asia Cup final by dismissing Sooryavanshi and India’s skipper Ayush Mhatre in the opening five overs.