Harare, February 5: The stage is set for an electrifying clash between India and England in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 final at Harare Sports Club this Friday. In a key announcement, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has named South Africa’s Lubabalo Gcuma and New Zealand’s Shaun Haig as the on-field umpires for this high-stakes showdown.
Gcuma brings a wealth of experience, having officiated India’s thrilling 18-run victory over Bangladesh, their Super Six win against Pakistan, and England’s dominant seven-wicket triumph over Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Haig stood during India’s semi-final masterclass against Afghanistan, chasing down 311 runs successfully, though he hasn’t yet umpired an England match in this tournament.
Joining them are Zahid Basheer as third umpire, Masudur Mukul as fourth umpire, and Graeme La Brooy as match referee. This final marks the second time India and England will contest the U19 World Cup title match, following their 2022 encounter.
Both teams enter unbeaten, with India chasing a record-extending sixth title—they’ve won five times before—while England seeks their second crown since 1998. India’s captain Ayush Mhatre leads a formidable squad that includes Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Aaron George, and wicketkeeper Abhigyan Kundu. England’s Thomas Reev captains a side featuring Ben Dawkins, Joseph Moores, and spinner Farhan Ahmed.
India’s semi-final heroics saw them overhaul Afghanistan’s 311, while England stunned defending champions Australia by 27 runs. With squads packed with future stars, expect a battle of skill, strategy, and nerves. Cricket fans worldwide are glued to their screens as these young guns vie for glory.
India Squad: Aaron George, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre (c), Vihan Malhotra, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), RS Ambarish, Kanishk Chauhan, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Harvansh Pangalia, Mohammad Enan, Udhhav Mohan, Kishan Kumar Singh.
England Squad: Ben Dawkins, Joseph Moores, Ben Mays, Thomas Reev (c/wk), Caleb Faulkner, Ralfy Albert, Farhan Ahmed, Sebastian Morgan, James Minto, Manny Lumsden, Alex French, Alex Green, Isaac Mohammed, Luke Hands, Will Benison, Ali Farooq.