Harare, Zimbabwe – The stage is set at the Harare Sports Club as India U19, led by Ayush Mhatre, prepares to face England U19 in the World Cup Final on Friday, February 6, 2026. India is aiming for a record-extending sixth U19 World Cup title.

India's journey to the final has been marked by consistency and thrilling performances. They remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, topping their group and navigating the Super Six stage. The team then pulled off a memorable record chase against Afghanistan in the semi-final.

Captain Ayush Mhatre has urged his team to keep things simple and adapt to the conditions. Mhatre, born on July 16, 2007, in Nallasopara, Maharashtra, is a right-handed batsman and right-arm off-break bowler. He transitioned to thinking about professional cricket at 15, and his journey involved extensive travel to access better cricketing opportunities. After overcoming initial setbacks, including not being selected for a National Cricket Academy camp, Mhatre has become a key player for Mumbai in domestic cricket and the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.

England, led by Thomas Rew, are determined to approach the final as "just another game". Rew's impressive form, including a century in the semi-final against Australia, has been instrumental in England's campaign. England last won the U19 World Cup in 1998 and were runners-up in 2022, losing to India.

Key players for India include Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who set the tone with a rapid 68 against Afghanistan, and Aaron George, who scored a fantastic 115 in the same match. Sooryavanshi has been in tremendous form and has the most sixes by an Indian player in U19 World Cups. For England, Ben Mayes has also been a standout performer with the bat.

India has won the U19 World Cup five times, the most by any country. India is playing its record 10th U19 World Cup final. England's campaign has been driven by batters Ben Mayes and Thomas Rew, pacer Manny Lumsden and left-arm orthodox spinner Ralphie Albert.

In their semi-final clash against Afghanistan, India chased down a target of 311, the highest successful run-chase for India in U19 ODIs, surpassing their previous best of 304 against England in 2002.

The final promises to be a thrilling contest between two unbeaten sides. England will be seeking revenge for their defeat against India in the 2022 final. India, on the other hand, will be aiming to continue their dominance in the U19 World Cup and secure their sixth title.