Rain interrupted the India vs New Zealand U19 World Cup match in Bulawayo after India reduced NZ to 17/3. The game, already shortened, remains crucial for Super 6 points.
With rain returning after the restart, the chances of further overs being cut remain high.
India vs New Zealand U-19 2026: Rain once again played spoilsport in the U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 as the Group B match between India U19 and New Zealand U19 was halted midway at Bulawayo on Saturday. The interruption came at a crucial moment, just as India made a strong start with the ball and put New Zealand under pressure early in the innings.
This match holds major significance because both teams have already qualified for the Super 6 stage, and the points and net run rate (NRR) from this game will carry forward. Any reduction or washout could directly affect the standings going into the next phase.
The India vs New Zealand U19 World Cup 2026 Group B match is playing Saturday, January 24. The fixture is crucial as both teams aim to carry maximum points into the Super 6 stage.
Fans can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network, while live streaming is available on the JioHostar app and website.
The India vs New Zealand U19 clash is set to begin at 1:00 PM IST, subject to weather conditions. Rain delays have already affected the start and may lead to further reductions.
The toss for the match took place at 12:30 PM IST, with India opting to bowl first. The decision proved effective as India picked up early wickets before rain halted play.
The match is being held at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, a venue known for assisting fast bowlers early on. Overcast conditions have added to the challenge for batters in this game.
At the time rain stopped play, New Zealand were struggling at 17/3 in 7.1 overs. RS Ambrish led the attack with two early wickets, while Henil Patel added another breakthrough. Persistent drizzle forced players off the field, leaving officials to reassess playing conditions.
The match had already been reduced to 47 overs per side due to a delayed start caused by rain earlier in the day.
With rain returning after the restart, the chances of further overs being cut remain high. If play resumes later, officials may reduce the game further under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. Continuous rain, however, raises the possibility of the match being abandoned altogether.
If rain forces a complete washout, both teams will share one point each. Since India and New Zealand are already through to the Super 6 stage, the abandoned match could impact their net run rate, which often becomes a deciding factor later in the tournament. India currently holds a stronger NRR, which could give them an edge if points are shared.
The Bulawayo surface has offered early movement for seamers throughout the tournament. Cloudy conditions and moisture in the pitch have helped fast bowlers, while batting becomes easier once the ball gets older. Rain interruptions, however, have made conditions unpredictable.
India U19 Squad: Ayush Mhatre(c), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi, Vihaan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu(w), Harvansh Pangalia, Kanishk Chouhan, RS Ambrish, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Udhav Mohan, Kishan Kumar Singh, Aaron George, Mohamed Enaan
New Zealand U19 Squad: Aryan Mann, Hugo Bogue, Tom Jones(c), Snehith Reddy, Marco Alpe(w), Jacob Cotter, Jaskaran Sandhu, Callum Samson, Flynn Morey, Selwin Sanjay, Mason Clarke, Harry Burns, Brandon Matzopoulos, Hunter Shore, Harry Waite, Luke Harrison
