“England are a fabulous team who are also playing really nicely in this tournament. We will play our natural game, play each ball on its merits, and adapt to conditions and the wicket. We will try to play simple cricket," said Ayush Mhatre. 

Ben Mayes is in sublime form after a highest score of 191 and two half-centuries, making him the tournament's second-highest run-scorer with 399 runs. Skipper Thomas Rew has also been in good touch, smashing a century in the semifinal against Australia and adding two unbeaten half-centuries to tally 299 runs, the fourth-highest aggregate in the competition.

The return to form of Ayush Mhatre, who finally broke his half-century drought in the semifinal against Afghanistan, has given India plenty to cheer about. Adding more heft is a solid middle order with Vihaan Malhotra contributing several fine innings and wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu proving his worth with two half-centuries and assured work behind the stumps.

India's record in the finals of the global age-group tournament has been brilliant. This marks their 10th appearance in the summit clash. Having beaten England in their only previous final meeting -- in the 2022 West Indies edition -- history is also on their side.

To pull off the win, India will need a collective performance befitting the quality in their line-up, studded with batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, whose firestorm approach has left opposition teams struggling for answers. Suryavanshi, who turns 15 next month, has already struck three half-centuries and a blazing century in the final could be the driving force that propels India to the title.

India have shown tremendous resolve from the very first group match against the United States. In the semifinal, they decimated a hardened Afghanistan side to maintain an blemish-free record despite being in pursuit of a 300-plus target. They now face another unbeaten team in England. Thomas Rew and Co are coming to this match after defeating Australia in the semis. 

India's successful chase of a massive total to humble Afghanistan in the semifinal where skipper Ayush Mhatre and opener Aaron George finally produced innings of substance, augurs well for the five-time champions, aiming to regain the trophy they last lifted in 2022.

In pursuit of a record-extending sixth title, the Indian Under-19 cricket team would bank on its swashbuckling batting line-up when it takes on a gritty England in what promises to be an evenly-matched summit clash.

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the U19 World Cup 2026 final match between India and England, straight from Harare Sports Club, Harare. Stay tuned for all the live updates.