India have booked their ticket for the U19 World Cup 2026 semifinals as Pakistan failed to meet the qualification scenario in their crucial Super Six clash at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo on Sunday, February 1. The unbeaten Indian side has become the fourth and the final team to make their way into the semifinals, joining the likes of Australia, Afghanistan and England.
India had put up 252 on the board batting first. Pakistan needed to chase the target down in 33.3 overs for them to pip India's Net run rate (NRR) and make their way through to the next stage. However, the Men in Green could not do that and never looked willing to try that either in their chase.
Coming into the match, India were one of the three teams to remain undefeated along with Australia and England. They were on six points after their win over Zimbabwe, while they carried four points from the group stage. Meanwhile, Pakistan had four points with their win over New Zealand in the Super Six stage. However, as they had earlier lost to England, they carried just two points into the Super Six stage.
Coming back to India's match, the Men in Blue were always in control with the ball as Pakistani batters found it hard to throttle their innings. While the Men in Green did not lose many wickets until their qualification scenario ended.
Pakistan go down to India
Pakistan would be kicking themselves for how they played in this clash. They were favourites to chase down the target, if not in 33.3 overs but surely in the 50 overs. However, they lost wickets in a pack and then lost the clash by 58 runs after getting bowled out for 194.
They were well placed at 151/2 but then lost their way to lose their remaining eight wickets for just 43 more runs. For India, Khilan Patel and Ayush Mhatre starred with the ball as they picked three wickets each to plot the downfall of Pakistan's chase.
India do well with bat after early hiccups
India were asked to bat first by Pakistan. The Indian players put up a strong fight with the bat despite losing their way at the start. Vedant Trivedi put up a strong 68 from 98 balls, while Kanish Chouhan helped in the finish with 35 as India were bowled out for 252.
Pakistan bowlers displayed a strong performance in the crucial clash as they kept the lid on the Indian batters. After a fiery start from Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who made 30 from 22 balls, India suffered a collapse to lose three wickets without adding a run for 47.
Vihaan Malhotra and Abhigyan Kundu then put up a fightback as the two put up a 62-run stand for the fourth wicket before the Men in Green struck again. The Indians had a bit of a partnership with Kundu Vedant Trivedi, RS Ambrish and Kanishk Chouhan contributing well.
India will now be facing Afghanistan in their U19 World Cup 2026 semifinal on February 4 at the Harare Sports Club, while England will lock horns against defending champions Australia a day earlier in Bulawayo.