Windhoek/Harare, Jan 22 (.) The ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 heats up on Thursday with two high-stakes Group A matches scheduled simultaneously at 13:00 IST.
Sri Lanka U19 take on Australia U19 at the Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek, while Bangladesh U19 face the United States of America U19 at Takashinga Sports Club, Harare. Both encounters are expected to deliver thrilling cricket, as teams battle for momentum and group-stage supremacy.
Sri Lanka U19 and Australia U19 enter this clash with unbeaten records, making the Group-A decider highly anticipated.
Sri Lanka have impressed with their batting so far. Skipper Vimath Dinsara scored a match-winning 95 in the last outing, while top-order batsmen Dimantha Mahavithana and Viran Chamuditha have provided steady starts. The lower middle order, including Kavija Gamage and Chamika Heenatigala, has contributed crucial runs, but number three batsman Dulnith Sigera must rebound to help stabilise the innings if early wickets fall.
The Sri Lanka bowling attack, featuring Rasith Nimsara, Kugathas Mathulan, and Vigneshwaran Akash, has been effective and versatile. Akash, in particular, could play a pivotal role with the ball against the in-form Australian top order.
Australia, meanwhile, have dominated with both bat and ball. Opening pair Nitesh Samuel and Will Malajczuk have been consistent, with Malajczuk hitting a century in his last match, while Steven Hogan has provided solidity at number three. The middle order, led by skipper Oliver Peake and wicketkeeper-batsman Jayden Draper, has not been fully tested yet. Australia’s bowling attack, led by Naden Cooray, Will Byrom, and Aryan Sharma, has proven effective in different match situations.
The pitch at Namibia Cricket Ground offers a balanced contest, supporting both batsmen and bowlers. Average first innings scores in previous matches are around 272, with teams likely aiming for totals above 290-300. Weather conditions are expected to be sunny, with highs of 24°C, allowing for uninterrupted play.
While Sri Lanka boast a deep batting lineup in form, Australia’s overall squad strength gives them a slight edge in what promises to be a close contest.
At Takashinga Sports Club in Harare, Bangladesh face a less experienced USA side. Both teams come off no-results in their previous matches against New Zealand, and Bangladesh will be eager to secure a win to gain momentum in the tournament. In their last encounter at the 2024 ICC U19 World Cup, Bangladesh had defeated USA comprehensively by 121 runs.
Bangladesh’s batting lineup will rely on Mohammad Azizul Hakim Tamim, Zawad Abrar, MD Rifat Beg, Kalam Siddiki Aleem, and Sheikh Paevez Jibon. Tamim has been the standout performer with 51 runs in two innings. Their bowling attack, led by medium-pacer Al Fahad and spinners Iqbal Hossain Emon and Jibon, has provided timely breakthroughs.
The USA will look to their top performers Nitish Sudini, who has scored 153 runs in the tournament so far, and Ritvik Appidi, leading the bowling effort. However, the inexperienced middle and lower order may be tested against a more seasoned Bangladesh attack.
Takashinga Sports Club has favored teams batting first, with an average first innings score of 252. The weather forecast predicts thundery showers, which could influence toss decisions and match strategy.
Bangladesh enter the game as favorites, with key players expected to step up and deliver a commanding performance.
With both Group A matches scheduled at the same time, promises to be a spectacular day of Under-19 cricket. Fans in Windhoek, Harare, and around the globe can look forward to young talent delivering match-defining innings, crucial breakthroughs, and nail-biting finishes as the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 continues to thrill cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
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