India vs Pakistan U-19 World Cup: Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre draw strength from Sachin Tendulkar before virtual quarterfinal
India’s unbeaten run at the ICC Men’s U-19 World Cup 2026 faces its sternest test yet as Ayush Mhatre, Vaibhav Suryavanshi and their young teammates take on Pakistan in a high-stakes Super Six clash in Bulawayo, with a semifinal berth effectively on the line and a fresh dose of inspiration coming from Sachin Tendulkar himself.
Revenge on Pakistan and Asia Cup scars
India’s U-19s are chasing payback for their crushing defeat to Pakistan in the 2025 U-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai, where they were hammered by 191 runs while chasing 348.
In that final, Pakistan piled up 347/8, powered by a stunning 172 from opener Sameer Minhas, before bowling India out for just 156.
Ironically, India had dominated the same opponents in the group stage of that tournament, winning by 90 runs.
Those extremes – big win in the league, heavy loss in the final – form the emotional backdrop to Sunday’s Super Six showdown.
Tendulkar’s virtual pep talk lifts Indian camp
Ahead of the marquee clash, the Indian boys received what many would call a dream team meeting: a virtual session with Sachin Tendulkar, joined and coordinated by VVS Laxman.
The BCCI described it as an “invaluable experience”, saying the next generation got insights into success and longevity that went far beyond technique and fitness.
Tendulkar stressed the importance of staying focused, disciplined, humble and grounded even when success arrives, messages Laxman said had a “powerful impact” on the youngsters.
Laxman, heading the support staff and Centre of Excellence, wrote that the boys were clearly inspired and motivated, and would carry these lessons for a long time.
India’s dominant World Cup form so far
On the field, India have been near-flawless in Zimbabwe, arriving at the India–Pakistan clash with a perfect record.
Group stage
Beat USA by 6 wickets (DLS) after restricting them to 107.
Defeated Bangladesh by 18 runs (DLS), defending 238 in a rain-affected contest.
Crushed New Zealand by 7 wickets in Bulawayo, chasing 135 (target revised to 130) in just 13.3 overs behind a 76-run stand between captain Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
Super Six
Opened with a massive 204-run win over hosts Zimbabwe, piling up 352/8 before dismissing them for 148 to underline their title credentials.
With five U-19 World Cup titles already, India look every bit a heavyweight again, but Pakistan’s presence and the Asia Cup baggage add extra edge.
India U-19 World Cup 2026 – Results So Far
Stage | Opponent | India score | Opponent score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Group | USA U-19 | 99/4 (17.2) | 107 (35.2) | India won by 6 wkts (DLS) |
Group | Bangladesh U-19 | 238 (48.4) | 146 (28.3) | India won by 18 runs (DLS) |
Group | New Zealand U-19 | 130/3 (13.3) | 135 (36.2) | India won by 7 wkts (DLS) |
Super Six | Zimbabwe U-19 | 352/8 (50) | 148 (37.4) | India won by 204 runs |
Batting pillars: Kundu and Suryavanshi
India’s batting has revolved around consistency rather than one-off hundreds, with wicketkeeper Abhigyan Kundu and top-order batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi leading the way.
Kundu has 183 runs from four innings with a highest of 80, maintaining reliability in the middle.
Suryavanshi has 166 runs from four games, including two fifties, and has been central to brisk chases and big totals alike.
The think-tank, though, will be hoping at least one of them converts a start into a three-figure score against Pakistan, given how damaging big knocks were in that Asia Cup final.
No-handshake policy set to continue
Off the field, this young India–Pakistan clash is shaped by the tense political climate back home.
India’s U-19 side did not take part in post-match handshakes with Pakistan during either their group game or the final of the U-19 Asia Cup in Dubai.
Reports indicate they are likely to continue this “no-handshake” stance in Bulawayo, a symbolic response in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.
The ICC has so far allowed the teams to manage the protocol themselves, with respect expected to be shown through on-field conduct rather than traditional gestures.
Semifinal equation: all to play for
This Super Six encounter is effectively a quarterfinal for both sides.
England have already sealed one semifinal spot from this Super Six group.
India and Pakistan now go head-to-head for the second, making the result virtually do-or-die for their campaigns.
For Mhatre, Suryavanshi & Co., the script is clear: channel Tendulkar’s advice, park the Asia Cup scars as fuel rather than baggage, and treat Pakistan as just the next hurdle in a march toward a sixth world title.