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India vs England U19 WC Final: Umpires Named for Historic Title Clash

The International Cricket Council has appointed Lubabalo Gcuma of South Africa and Shaun Haig of New Zealand as the on-field umpires for the 2026 ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup final. The match will see five-time champions India face England at the Harare Sports Club, marking only the second time these two nations have met in a U19 final. India, led by Ayush Mhatre, enters its tenth final unbeaten, while England seeks its second title and first since 1998. Key players include India's Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and England's Ben Mayes, who lead the batting charts for their respective sides.

Key Points: Umpires for India vs England U19 World Cup Final Announced

  • Gcuma & Haig appointed on-field umpires
  • India eye record sixth U19 title
  • England chase first crown since 1998
  • Both teams enter final unbeaten
2 min read

Gcuma, Haig appointed on-field umpires for U19 Men's WC final between India and England

ICC appoints Lubabalo Gcuma and Shaun Haig as on-field umpires for the 2026 U19 Men's Cricket World Cup final between India and England in Harare.

"Friday's game will be only the second India-England final in the competition's history. - ICC"

Harare, Feb 5

Lubabalo Gcuma and Shaun Haig have been appointed as on-field umpires for the final of the 2026 ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup to be played between India and England at the Harare Sports Club on Friday, said the International Cricket Council on Thursday.

India, the five-time champions, have reached the decider after chasing down 311 to beat Afghanistan in the semifinal on Wednesday, while England overcame defending champions Australia by 27 runs to enter the title clash.

Gcuma, hailing from South Africa, has already stood in India's 18-run win against Bangladesh and their Super Six victory over Pakistan, as well as England's seven-wicket triumph over Bangladesh, the ICC informed in a release on Thursday.

New Zealand's Haig officiated in India's semifinal win against Afghanistan, but has yet to umpire in an England game in the tournament. Zahid Bassarath will serve as the third umpire, while Masudur Mukul will be the fourth umpire, and Graeme La Brooy is the match referee.

Friday's game will be only the second India-England final in the competition's history. India won the previous meeting when they faced England in the 2022 U19 World Cup final in the West Indies.

Both sides enter the decider as unbeaten sides -- India are appearing in their 10th final and sixth in succession, while England are chasing their second Men's U19 World Cup crown and first since 1998.

For India, led by Ayush Mhatre, the 14-year-old left-handed batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been the most consistent, scoring 264 runs with three half-centuries in six matches. Pacer Henil Patel has claimed 11 wickets to be the leader of India's bowling attack.

For England, Ben Mayes, with 399 runs, and captain Thomas Rew, with 299 runs, have led the side's batting charge, while pacer Manny Lumsden tops the tournament's wicket-taking charts with 15 scalps, and spinner Ralphie Albert has taken 10 wickets.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting appointments. Gcuma from SA and Haig from NZ. Hope there's no controversy and the focus stays on these talented young players. England's batting looks strong, but India's consistency is unmatched.
V
Vikram M
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is just 14! What a talent pipeline we have. Henil Patel with the ball, Vaibhav with the bat. This team looks balanced. England's Lumsden is a threat though. Should be a cracker of a match.
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Rohit P
Respectfully, I hope the ICC ensures neutral umpiring standards are strictly maintained. The 2022 final memory is fresh. No room for even a perception of bias in such a big game. May the best team win.
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Priya S
Tenth final for India! That's dominance. The future of Indian cricket is in safe hands. Waking up early for this one. Come on, boys! Do it for the country. 🏏
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Michael C
As a neutral fan, this is the perfect final. Two unbeaten teams. England's wait since 1998 is long, but India are just a machine at this level. Lumsden vs. Sooryavanshi will be the key battle.

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