New Zealand Under-19s take on the United States of America Under-19s in a Group A fixture of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo on 18th January. The match is scheduled to begin at 07:30 UK time, which converts to 13:00 IST. With New Zealand aiming to consolidate their position in the group and the USA continuing their development on the global stage, this contest offers an intriguing blend of structure and ambition.
Form Guide
New Zealand Under-19s
New Zealand Under-19s arrive with a reputation for discipline, athleticism, and smart cricket. Their batting is built around partnerships and adaptability, while the bowling attack focuses on accuracy and sustained pressure rather than outright pace. In tournament conditions, New Zealand are adept at managing key moments.
- Well-balanced batting unit with strong fundamentals.
- Bowlers prioritising control and consistency.
- Excellent fielding standards supporting pressure cricket.
United States of America Under-19s
The USA Under-19s continue to gain valuable experience at this level, approaching matches with discipline and resilience. Their batting has shown the ability to occupy the crease, while the bowling unit focuses on accuracy and containment. Against stronger opposition, maintaining intensity throughout will be crucial.
- Batting capable of showing patience under pressure.
- Bowlers emphasising line and length.
- Fielding discipline key to staying competitive.
Key Players
New Zealand Under-19s
- Snehith Reddy – Technically sound top-order batter anchoring the innings.
- Oscar Jackson – All-rounder offering balance with bat and ball.
- Matt Rowe – Seamer expected to lead the attack with control.
United States of America Under-19s
- Utkarsh Srivastava – Reliable top-order batter capable of building innings.
- Aaryan Koul – Promising all-rounder contributing across departments.
- Ritvik Malhotra – Bowler tasked with making early breakthroughs.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo typically provides a balanced wicket, offering some early assistance for seamers before settling into a surface that rewards patient batting. As the match progresses, spinners who vary pace can become influential. Warm and dry conditions are forecast, ideal for uninterrupted World Cup cricket.
New Zealand Under-19s vs USA Under-19s – Prediction
This Group A contest is likely to be controlled by New Zealand’s structure and experience. If Snehith Reddy anchors the innings and the bowling unit maintains pressure throughout, New Zealand Under-19s should dictate the tempo. The USA will look to stay competitive through resistance from Utkarsh Srivastava and disciplined bowling spells, but New Zealand’s depth gives them a clear edge.
Dream 11 Fantasy Picks
- Snehith Reddy – Reliable top-order fantasy option.
- Utkarsh Srivastava – Key USA batting pick for stability.
- Oscar Jackson – Valuable all-round fantasy selection.
