U19 World Cup scenarios: Semi-final prospects for each team
Six teams remain in the hunt for three remaining semi-final spots with five Super Six matches to go
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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
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.
Oliver Peake | ICC U19MCW26 | Australia post-match interview | 28 January '26
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.
Resilient Sri Lanka end Afghanistan's unbeaten run | Match Highlights | U19 CWC 2026
Sri Lanka overcame Afghanistan by four wickets.
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)
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Super Six Group 2
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.
India complete clinical win against Zimbabwe | Match Highlights | U19 CWC 2026
India climb atop the ICC Men's Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 Super Six Group 2 table with a complete win against Zimbabwe.
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.
Pakistan win big against New Zealand | Match Highlights | U19 CWC 2026
Clinical Pakistan defeated New Zealand in the Super Six encounter at the ICC Men's Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026.
Remaining Fixtures:
New Zealand vs England
Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe
India vs Pakistan
The road ahead
As the Super Six stage draws to a close, every over, boundary and wicket could have a bearing on the semi-final line-up. With multiple teams still alive in the race, the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 is set for a thrilling conclusion before the knockouts begin.
