U19 World Cup 2026 warm-ups: India, Pakistan, WI tune up

Five cracking contests across Zimbabwe and Namibia gave the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026 warm-ups a real edge, as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and West Indies all got valuable game time under their belts.

Asian giants sharpen up before main event

After England dominated New Zealand on day one, day two belonged to the Asian powerhouses. India U19 hit the park in Zimbabwe, taking on Scotland U19 in Bulawayo in conditions that tested both technique and temperament ahead of the big opener against USA.

Over in Masvingo, Pakistan U19 locked horns with Bangladesh U19 at Masvingo Sports Club in a classic subcontinental face-off on African soil. For Pakistan, it was all about settling their top order and finding rhythm with the new ball, while Bangladesh used the outing to rotate their all-rounders and firm up their middle-order options.

Zimbabwean fans also got a first look at their own boys, with Zimbabwe U19 facing USA U19 and trying to maximise home advantage on slightly tired surfaces. Every over here mattered: for fringe players, this was an unofficial trial before the real thing starts.

Windhoek witnesses West Indian flair

In Namibia, West Indies U19, Ireland U19, Japan U19 and Tanzania U19 all tasted competitive action in Windhoek. For the Windies, these games are crucial to rediscover that old Caribbean swagger at youth level, while Ireland’s youngsters continued their steady rise with another disciplined outing.

Japan and Tanzania, the newer names on the global stage, used the day more for exposure than result, but their energy in the field and eagerness with the bat underlined how wide the U19 talent pool has become.

With one warm-up each still to come for most sides, coaches will now be eyeing final combinations, death-overs options and spin roles before the tournament launches into full throttle.