The stage is set for a high-stakes encounter at the Harare Sports Club as India U19, face off against the tournament’s “giant-killers,” Afghanistan U19, in the second semi-final of the ICC U19 World Cup 2026.
India enter the semi-final with a perfect record, recently dismantling arch-rivals Pakistan by 58 runs to top their Super Six group. Led by Ayush Mhatre, the “Boys in Blue” have shown immense depth; when the top order wobbled against Pakistan, Vedant Trivedi (68) and Kanishk Chouhan (35) stepped up to ensure a competitive total. Their bowling, spearheaded by Henil Patel (11 wickets) and the spin duo of Mhatre and Khilan Patel, has been clinical in defending totals.
Afghanistan, captained by Mahboob Khan, has been the surprise package of the tournament. Their path to the semi-final included a massive 191-run victory over Ireland, powered by a spectacular 163 from Faisal Shinozada. While traditionally known for spin, their pace attack—led by Nooristani Omarzai (12 wickets)—has been their primary weapon in Zimbabwean conditions.
Harare weather forecast
Match day in Harare is expected to be generally warm and comfortable, but weather interruptions cannot be ruled out. While the first half of the day should be relatively stable, conditions may become tricky as the afternoon progresses due to cloud build-up and passing showers.
Temperature (High: 26°C / Low: 15°C): The daytime temperature around 26°C should be ideal for cricket, neither too hot nor too draining for the players. However, the drop to around 15°C later in the day could bring a slight chill, especially if rain or wind picks up, which may aid seam movement under lights.
Humidity (Around 70%, rising in the evening): Moderate to high humidity could make conditions a bit taxing for fast bowlers during longer spells. As humidity increases towards the evening, the ball may grip and swing a bit more, potentially assisting bowlers—especially if there’s moisture in the air after rain.
Cloud Cover (Around 60%, mostly cloudy in the afternoon): Increasing cloud cover during the afternoon could reduce visibility slightly and help pace bowlers extract movement off the pitch. Overcast conditions also raise the possibility of rain delays and could influence captains’ decisions at the toss.
Precipitation (55% chance, ~2.1mm): There is a significant chance of patchy rain or brief thundershowers, particularly in the afternoon and early evening. Short stoppages are possible, and if rain intervenes, the match could be affected by DLS calculations, making adaptability crucial for both teams.
Harare pitch report
The pitch at the Harare Sports Club for this semi-final is expected to be a balanced, sporting track that offers something for everyone. Historically, the surface provides a “batting-friendly” environment once players settle in, with an average first-innings total hovering around 240. However, current tournament data suggests a distinct advantage for fast bowlers early on; in recent matches at this venue, pacers have accounted for nearly 70% of the wickets taken, utilizing the extra bounce and early morning zip. As the match progresses and the sun bakes the surface, it tends to dry out and slow down, allowing spinners to find significant purchase in the middle and death overs. Given the dry nature of the square and the pressure of a knockout game, a score in excess of 260 could prove extremely difficult to chase.
Also READ: U19 World Cup 2026 semi-finals: Understanding India, Afghanistan, Australia and England’s strengths and weaknesses with SWOT analysis
Dew factor
In Harare, dew typically becomes a significant factor during the second innings of day-night matches as temperatures drop quickly after sunset (around 6:34 PM). However, since this is a day match (1:00 PM IST start), the dew advantage will be minimal to non-existent for the team bowling second.
Toss prediction
Bowl first. Given the 55% chance of rain and potential overcast conditions, captains will likely prefer to chase. Overcast skies will assist the seamers in the first hour, and DLS considerations usually favor the team batting second in rain-interrupted games.
Batting or Bowling Paradise?: The Harare Sports Club currently offers a balanced surface. Pacers like Nooristani and Henil will find movement and bounce with the new ball. The pitch tends to dry up and slow down, offering significant turn for spinners. A competitive total here is around 240–260. If batters weather the initial burst, the flat nature of the track allows for big scores, as seen in Shinozada’s recent century.
Boundary Dimensions: Harare Sports Club is known for its relatively square boundaries but longer straight hits.
- Square boundaries: ~65–68 meters.
- Straight boundaries: ~72–75 meters.
- Outfield: Very fast, rewarding well-timed ground shots.
Also READ: U19 Men’s World Cup 2026, Semifinals: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, USA, UK, Australia & other countries
