ICC U19 World Cup Kicks Off: Jay Shah Wishes Players Success
The ICC U19 Men's World Cup is set to begin, with Jay Shah wishing all players success. The Indian U19 team, led by Ayush Mhatre, is on a quest for their sixth title, having shown impressive form in recent matches. With a strong batting lineup and a determination to avenge past defeats, India is ready to face the USA in their opening match. Meanwhile, Australia aims to match India's record by winning the championship for the fifth time. Read on to discover more about the tournament and the teams involved.
Jan 15, 2026, 12:38 IST
ICC U19 World Cup Begins
The President of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Jay Shah, extended his best wishes to the U19 players as the ICC U19 Men's World Cup is set to commence on Thursday. The 2026 edition will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6. In a post, Shah expressed his hopes for all teams and players participating in the tournament starting in the host nations, Zimbabwe and Namibia. He noted that youth tournaments have historically paved the way for some of cricket's biggest stars, and he is confident that this will continue.
India's U19 Team Aims for Glory
Under the captaincy of Ayush Mhatre, the Indian U19 team will kick off its campaign against the USA in Bulawayo, aiming for a record sixth ICC U19 World Cup title. Prior to the World Cup, the Indian squad has achieved 16 victories in youth ODIs, losing only five, resulting in an impressive win percentage of over 76. Entering the tournament, they hold the best win-loss ratio of 3.2. Leading the batting lineup is Vaibhav Suryaanshi, who has amassed 973 runs at an average of 54.05, including three centuries and four half-centuries, with a top score of 171. His strike rate exceeds 164, making him one of the most formidable batsmen in the tournament.
Recent Performances and Challenges
Before the tournament, India U19 has won five out of six series, including a clean sweep against Australia at home (3-0), a hard-fought 3-2 victory against England in the UK, and another 3-0 series win over Australia. They also secured a 3-0 series victory in South Africa. However, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) U19 Asia Cup has not been favorable for India, as they faced defeats last year against Pakistan by 191 runs in a one-sided final and against Bangladesh U19 by 59 runs in 2024.
Aiming for Redemption
Team India, which lost to Australia by 79 runs in the final of the 2024 U19 World Cup, where Mahli Beardman’s exceptional bowling (3/15) led to India being bowled out for 174 while chasing a target of 254, is determined to seek revenge. Meanwhile, the Australian team, led by Oliver Peake, aims to equal India's record by winning the title for the fifth time.