HARARE, 06 February 2026 – The ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 has reached its pinnacle today as India and England face off in a high-stakes final at the Harare Sports Club. India, the most successful team in the tournament’s history, is looking to secure another title, while England aims to replicate their historic 1998 triumph after knocking out the defending champions, Australia, in the semi-finals.
Live Update: Final Clash in Harare
In the final match held today, 06 February 2026, India Under-19 captain won the toss and elected to bat first against England. The decision appears to have paid off early, driven by a historic performance from 14-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Suryavanshi has dominated the English attack, scoring a magnificent century in the final and breaking the record for the most sixes hit in a single edition of the Under-19 World Cup.
As of the latest match reports, India reached 162/2 after 19 overs, with Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre building a formidable 100-plus run partnership. England’s bowlers, led by Thomas Rew’s side, are fighting to break the momentum after an early breakthrough where Aaron was dismissed for 9.
Tournament History and Records
The Under-19 World Cup has long been the premier stage for emerging global talent. India enters this final as the dominant force, holding a record five titles. Australia follows closely with four championships, including their most recent victory in 2024. Pakistan remains the only nation to have won back-to-back titles (2004 and 2006).
| Year | Champion | Runner-up | Host Nation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Australia | Pakistan | Australia |
| 1998 | England | New Zealand | South Africa |
| 2000 | India | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka |
| 2002 | Australia | South Africa | New Zealand |
| 2004 | Pakistan | West Indies | Bangladesh |
| 2006 | Pakistan | India | Sri Lanka |
| 2024 | Australia | India | South Africa |
Road to the 2026 Final
India’s journey to the 2026 final has been clinical and unbeaten. They secured their spot after a commanding 7-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the semi-finals. Earlier in the tournament, India also recorded the highest successful run-chase in the history of the competition and maintained their dominance despite a “no-handshake” policy observed during their tense Super Six clash against Pakistan.
England’s path was marked by a significant upset in the semi-finals, where they defeated the 2024 champions, Australia, to book their first final appearance in several years. Their bowling unit has been their primary strength throughout the knockout stages in Zimbabwe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won the most U19 World Cups?
India holds the record for the most titles, having won the tournament five times (2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2022).
Where is the 2026 U19 World Cup final being played?
The final is being held at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe on 06 February 2026.
Who scored a century in the 2026 final?
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old Indian opener, scored a century against England in the final today, setting a record for the most sixes in a single tournament edition.
How many times has England won the U19 World Cup?
England has won the tournament once, in 1998, when they defeated New Zealand in the final held in South Africa.