U-19 World Cup 2026: India, England, Pakistan in Tight Race for Semi-Finals

The Super Six matches are underway in the Under-19 World Cup 2026. Australia has secured its place in the semifinals after winning the first position in Group 1. Either Sri Lanka or Afghanistan will qualify for the knockout stage. Meanwhile, in Group 2, three teams are in a neck-and-neck competition. Two teams from England, India, and Pakistan will qualify for the semifinals.

India has the strongest position in Group 2. The team has taken a strong position by securing six points from three matches that it has won. The team has a net run rate of +3.337. England has taken the second position in Group 2, securing six points from three matches it has won. The team has a net run rate of +1.989. Pakistan, on the other hand, is in third place with four points after winning two out of three matches. Pakistan's net run rate is +1.484.

England will play their final match against New Zealand on Friday. New Zealand's performance in this tournament has been mediocre so far. Their matches against the United States and Bangladesh were washed out due to rain. They lost to India by seven wickets and Pakistan by eight wickets. Therefore, England has the upper hand, and if they defeat New Zealand, they will advance to the semi-finals with eight points. In this situation, India will have to defeat Pakistan at all costs to make it to the semi-finals. However, India's net run rate is better, so Pakistan will have to win this match by a large margin.