Sri Lanka U19 vs Australia U19, 23rd Match, Group A, ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026
This blockbuster Group A clash at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek on January 23, 2026, kicks off at 1:00 PM IST (local time around 10:30 AM). Both teams enter unbeaten after two wins each, making this the decider for top spot in the group.
The official fixture pits Sri Lanka Under-19 against Australia Under-19 in the 23rd match of Group A during the 2026 edition of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup. Weather in Windhoek looks favorable with cloudy skies, temperatures around 24°C, low rain chance at 6%, and winds up to 32 km/h—ideal for uninterrupted play. The pitch offers average conditions for both batting and bowling, balancing pace and spin without extreme favors.
A win here secures the top position in Group A for the victor, granting a stronger net run rate and momentum into the Super Six stage. Sri Lanka boasts a superior +3.09 NRR over Australia’s +2.047, so even a close result could tilt qualification edges. Both sides eye a dominant finish to build confidence against tougher Super Six opponents.
Sri Lanka U19 have surged with back-to-back victories, including a commanding 106-run thrashing of Ireland and earlier wins over South Africa (by 62 runs) and Afghanistan. Australia U19, the defending champions, mirror that form with solid triumphs over Japan and Ireland, showcasing depth in batting and bowling. Recent momentum favors a high-scoring thriller given their unbeaten streaks.
U19 World Cup Match Details
- Match: SL U19 vs AUS U19
- Date: January 23, 2026
- Time: 12:30 PM 7:30 AM GMT / 9:30 AM LOCAL
- Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
U19 World Cup Live Streaming info
The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 runs from January 15 to February 6, 2026, co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Five venues host all matches. The tournament features 41 ODIs, including group stage, Super Sixes, playoffs, semifinals, and final.
Live streaming for the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 varies by country, with broadcasters like Star Sports, Disney Hotstar, and Willow TV holding major rights. Coverage starts January 15, accessible via apps, websites, and TV channels.
- India: Stream on Disney Hotstar app/website; telecast on Star Sports channels.
- USA/Canada: Willow TV and digital platforms for live coverage.
- Sri Lanka: Dialog Television (exclusive Pay-TV) partnering with TV Supreme for free-to-air broadcasts.
- Pakistan: Likely PTV Sports or streaming apps like Tamasha/Daraz (based on prior ICC deals).
Global Alternatives
ICC.tv offers free live streams in select regions like Europe, Middle East (excluding some countries), and parts of Africa, subject to geo-restrictions. Check official ICC site or local providers for VPN-free access and full listings.
Live Streaming Info:
Star Sports will be live: SL U19 vs AUS U19
Live Score Info:
Watch real-time scores, ball-by-ball commentary, and updates on ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz,
Head-to-Head
These young guns have clashed multiple times in U19 ODI history, with Australia holding a slight edge overall—around 10 wins to Sri Lanka’s 7 in 20 meetings, including ties and no-results. In the last five encounters, results split evenly: Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets in 2022 U19 WC (chasing 177), Australia by 6 wickets in 2024 U19 WC (chasing 211), and others alternating close finishes. Youth derbies often deliver nail-biters.
Sri Lanka U19 Analysis
Sri Lanka’s strength lies in explosive batting depth and versatile all-rounders, led by captain Vimath Dinsara’s composure. Viran Chamuditha smashed 192 off 143 against Japan, while Dulnith Sigera grabbed 4/19 versus Ireland—key weapons against Australia’s top order. Weaknesses include occasional middle-order fragility under pressure, but their spin attack suits Windhoek’s surface. Recent highs: Consistent partnerships and clinical chases.
Australia U19 Analysis
Australia excels in balanced attacks, with captain Oliver Peake orchestrating pace from Kasey Barton and spin from Aryan Sharma. Openers like Steven Hogan and Will Malajczuk provide fiery starts, backed by all-rounder Jayden Draper. Their weakness? Vulnerability to spin if early wickets tumble, as seen in past chases. Standout recent form includes steady wins, with Hogan earning player-of-the-match nods.
Probable XIs
Sri Lanka U19 Probable XI: Dimantha Mahavithana, Viran Chamuditha, Vimath Dinsara (c), Kavija Gamage, Dulnith Sigera, Chamika Heenatigala, Aadham Hilmy (wk), Sethmika Seneviratne, Rasith Nimsara, Kugathas Mathulan, Vigneshwaran Akash
Australia U19 Probable XI: Will Malajczuk, Steven Hogan, Nitesh Samuel, Oliver Peake (c), Alex Lee Young (wk), Jayden Draper, Aryan Sharma, Naden Cooray, Hayden Schiller, Kasey Barton, Charles Lachmunda.
Prediction
Australia U19 edges it by 20-30 runs, leveraging deeper bowling options and title defense nous despite Sri Lanka’s batting fireworks and NRR advantage. Expect 280+ totals on this even pitch, with Peake’s leadership proving decisive in a tense finish.