U19 World Cup scenarios: Semi-final prospects for each team

Broadcast details for ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup

The ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 is entering a decisive phase and the race for the semi-finals is heating up across the Super Six stage.

Five teams have been eliminated during the Super Six stage, with six teams still in the hunt for the three remaining semi-final spots. Australia are the only team to book a place in the last four.

At this stage of the competition, England, India and Afghanistan have taken a strong lead in their respective groups as the race for qualification intensifies.

Super Six Group 1

Group 1 Standings

Australia through

Australia made the cut after a win over West Indies. The defending champions have been consistent winning all their matches in the tournament so far.

Tight battle behind the leaders

Behind Australia, the race remains wide open, with multiple teams still mathematically in contention.

Afghanistan occupy second place, keeping their semi-final hopes firmly alive, while Sri Lanka remain in third position and are still mathematically in contention depending on upcoming results and net run rate. Both sides have four points each and strong wins would boost their respective semi-final prospectcs.

West Indies have a minor chance of making it through to the next round but have their fate completely out of their hands. They would need both Afghanistan and Sri Lanka to lose by big enough margins for the net run rate swing to make the situation in their favour.

Qualification scenarios in this group are likely to come down to results in the final Super Six matches, along with net run rate calculations. Any heavy defeat could prove costly, making margins just as important as match outcomes. Group 1 is set for a tense finish.

Remaining matches:

South Africa vs Sri Lanka (January 29)

Afghanistan vs Ireland (January 30)

Broadcast details for ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup

Super Six Group 2

Group 2 Standings

Front-runners eye early qualification

The leading teams in Group 2 have taken advantage of strong starts in the Super Six stage.

India and England currently sit in prime positions after registering key wins. A victory in their remaining matches would seal semi-final qualification, while even a narrow loss could still keep them in contention depending on other results.

Pakistan still in the hunt

Despite sitting behind the front-runners, Pakistan remain very much in the race. They will need a positive result against India and will be keeping a close eye on England’s match against New Zealand. Net run rate could again play a decisive role if teams finish level on points.

Bangladesh, New Zealand and Zimbabwe have been eliminated from semi-final contention.

With marquee encounters still to be played, Group 2 promises high-stakes cricket as teams chase a place in the last four.

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