U19 World Cup Final: India chase record sixth title against England

England: Thomas Rew (c, wk), Ralphie Albert, Ali Farooq, Ben Dawkins, Caleb Falconer, Farhan Ahmed, Alex French, Alex Green, Luke Hands, Isaac Mohammed, Manny Lumsden, Ben Mayes, James Minto, Joseph Moores, Sebastian Morgan.

India: Ayush Mhatre (c), Vihaan Malhotra, Aaron George, RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Deepesh Devendran, Henil Patel, Khilan Patel, Abhigyan Kundu, (wk), Mohamed Enaan, Udhav Mohan, Harvansh Pangalia, Kishan Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi.

India’s record in Under-19 World Cup finals offers plenty of optimism. Having defeated England in the 2022 title clash in the West Indies, history slightly favours the Asian giants, but past success will count for little once the final begins.

Both teams arrive unbeaten, carrying momentum and belief.

For India, the challenge will be to maintain their fearless approach while tightening occasional bowling lapses that allowed Afghanistan to post a massive total in the semifinal.

England, chasing only their second Under-19 World Cup title since 1998, will look to their pace strength and in-form batters to upset the favourites.

With contrasting styles and immense talent on display, the stage is set for a thrilling finale that could shape the next generation of international stars.

Standing between India and a sixth title is an England side brimming with confidence after eliminating defending champions Australia.

Their batting unit has been powered by Ben Mayes, whose remarkable 191 and consistent run-scoring have made him one of the tournament’s standout performers with 399 runs.

Captain Thomas Rew has also led from the front, compiling a century in the semifinal and maintaining an impressive run tally.

While England’s opening pair of Ben Dawkins and Joseph Moores have struggled for consistency, the team compensates with a dangerous bowling attack.

Lumsden’s 15 wickets lead the charts, and support from Sebastian Morgan and James Minto ensures England possess the firepower to test India’s aggressive batting line-up.

Beyond the star power at the top, India’s middle order has quietly provided stability throughout the tournament.

Vihaan Malhotra has contributed crucial runs in pressure situations, while wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu has added two composed half-centuries alongside reliable glovework.

On the bowling front, the pace trio of Deepesh Devendran, Henil Patel and R.S. Ambrish has delivered collective performances, even if none feature among the tournament’s leading wicket-takers.

That absence from the top charts may raise mild concerns, but India’s strength lies in teamwork rather than individual dominance.

The spin duo of Kanishk Chouhan and Khilan Patel could play a decisive role in the final, especially if conditions favour slower bowlers and require tighter control during the middle overs.

One of the biggest talking points ahead of the clash is batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

The 14-year-old has been a revelation, combining aggression with maturity beyond his years. With three half-centuries already, Sooryavanshi’s fearless strokeplay has often left bowlers searching for answers.

India will hope he can produce another defining innings on the biggest stage.

Yet, the young batter will need to temper his natural attacking instincts against England’s disciplined pace attack, particularly Manny Lumsden, whose ability to strike early has been central to his side’s success.

A blazing century from Sooryavanshi could tilt the contest decisively, but patience and smart shot selection may be just as important against a team that thrives on exploiting mistakes.

India’s journey to the final has been marked by resilience and a willingness to chase big totals. Their successful pursuit of a 300-plus target against Afghanistan showcased depth and belief within the squad.

From the opening group game against the United States, India have displayed consistency, adapting well to varying conditions and pressures. The semifinal, however, was the ultimate test — a scenario where nerves could have unravelled young cricketers.

Instead, India’s batters embraced the challenge, reinforcing the belief that this generation possesses the temperament required for knockout cricket.

The return to form of Mhatre, who ended his half-century drought at the perfect moment, adds further confidence as the team prepares for its 10th appearance in an Under-19 World Cup final.

Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the ICC U-19 World Cup final between India and England.

In pursuit of a record-extending sixth ICC Under-19 World Cup crown, India’s young brigade will lean heavily on its explosive batting when it faces an equally determined England in today’s summit clash.

The five-time champions arrive with confidence after a sensational semifinal win over Afghanistan, where skipper Ayush Mhatre and opener Aaron George delivered timely knocks during a daunting chase. That performance not only preserved India’s unbeaten run but also highlighted the fearless brand of cricket that has defined their campaign.

Against England — another side yet to taste defeat — India know the margin for error will be slim, making composure and adaptability crucial in what promises to be a fiercely contested final between two evenly matched teams.