The ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 builds to its crescendo with India facing England in the final at Harare Sports Club on Friday. Thursday’s ICC reveal spotlights on-field umpires Lubabalo Gcuma from South Africa and Shaun Haig from New Zealand, ensuring top-tier officiating for this blockbuster.
Gcuma’s sharp eye has graced pivotal games: India’s edge-of-the-seat 18-run win vs Bangladesh, their Super Six masterstroke over Pakistan, and England’s clinical seven-wicket dispatch of Bangladesh. Haig, meanwhile, marshaled India’s semi-final rout of Afghanistan, where they chased 311 with poise—his first potential England game in the tourney.
The umpiring panel is rounded out by Zahid Basheer (third), Masudur Mukul (fourth), and match referee Graeme La Brooy. History buffs note this as the second India-England U19 final, echoing 2022’s drama.
Unbeaten runs intact, India eyes a sixth trophy (five prior wins), England their second post-1998. Semi-final fireworks: India’s chase against Afghanistan, England’s 27-run upset of Australia. Captain Ayush Mhatre’s Indians boast talents like Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Khilan Patel; Thomas Reev’s English side features Joseph Moores and James Minto.
As these prodigies converge, the final promises tactical chess, explosive batting, and spin wizardry. Who will lift the cup? The answer lies in Harare’s cauldron.
India’s full roster: Aaron George, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre (capt), Vihan Malhotra, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (keeper), RS Ambarish, Kanishk Chauhan, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Harvansh Pangalia, Mohammad Enan, Udhhav Mohan, Kishan Kumar Singh.
England’s lineup: Ben Dawkins, Joseph Moores, Ben Mays, Thomas Reev (capt/keeper), Caleb Faulkner, Ralfy Albert, Farhan Ahmed, Sebastian Morgan, James Minto, Manny Lumsden, Alex French, Alex Green, Isaac Mohammed, Luke Hands, Will Benison, Ali Farooq.
