The ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup – Group A fixture between India Under-19s and New Zealand Under-19s will be played at the historic Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo on 24 January. The match is scheduled to begin at 13:00 IST, converted from a 07:30 UK start time, and stands out as one of the marquee group-stage contests. With both sides traditionally strong at youth level, this clash could go a long way towards shaping the Group A standings.
Form Guide
India Under-19s
India Under-19s enter the tournament as one of the pre-competition favourites, backed by a deep talent pool and a proven pathway that consistently produces high-quality cricketers. Their recent performances have showcased balance, adaptability, and the ability to dominate opponents across all disciplines.
- Batting line-up combines technical security with modern aggression.
- Bowling attack offers pace, swing, and high-quality spin options.
- Excellent recent record in ICC Under-19 tournaments.
New Zealand Under-19s
New Zealand Under-19s arrive with a reputation for discipline and smart game management. While they may not always grab headlines, their structured approach and athletic fielding often allow them to stay competitive against more fancied opponents.
- Well-organised bowling plans built around accuracy.
- Batters comfortable building innings through partnerships.
- Strong fielding standards create consistent pressure.
Key Players
India Under-19s
- Uday Saharan – A composed top-order batter capable of anchoring big chases.
- Musheer Khan – A gifted all-rounder offering runs and control with spin.
- Naman Tiwari – A left-arm seamer who can exploit early movement.
New Zealand Under-19s
- Snehith Reddy – A technically sound batter who provides stability at the top.
- Oliver Tewatiya – A versatile all-rounder capable of contributing in key moments.
- Matt Rowe – A disciplined bowler who thrives on accuracy and control.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Queens Sports Club is known for its traditional surface, often offering early assistance to seam bowlers before settling into a reliable batting wicket. As the match progresses, batters who apply themselves are rewarded, while spinners tend to play a containing role through accuracy rather than sharp turn. Weather conditions in Bulawayo are expected to be warm and dry, creating ideal conditions for a full, uninterrupted contest.
India Under-19s vs New Zealand Under-19s – Prediction
This Group A clash pits India’s depth and firepower against New Zealand’s discipline and structure. If Uday Saharan can provide a solid platform and India’s bowlers apply sustained pressure, India should be able to dictate the tempo of the match. New Zealand Under-19s will look to remain competitive through partnerships and tight bowling, with players like Snehith Reddy crucial to their chances. While New Zealand are capable of pushing India hard, India Under-19s start as favourites in what promises to be a high-quality contest.
Dream 11 Fantasy Picks
- Uday Saharan – Likely to deliver consistent top-order runs.
- Musheer Khan – All-round contributions add strong fantasy value.
- Snehith Reddy – New Zealand’s most dependable batting option.
