Under-19 World Cup 2026: Players to Watch in Group C

News Desk 

Islamabad: With the 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup just around the corner, attention is turning to Group C, where England, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, and Scotland will battle for a place in the knockout stages.

The group features a mix of established youth stars and emerging talents, with several players tipped to make a major impact during the tournament.

Pakistan arrived with one of the tournament’s most talked-about batters in Sameer Minhas. The opener was in devastating form at the Under-19 Asia Cup in December, finishing as the leading run-scorer. 

He sealed Pakistan’s title win with a blistering 172 off 113 balls in the final against India, having earlier smashed an unbeaten 177 against Malaysia. 

Minhas has since carried that momentum into a tri-series in Zimbabwe, where he struck two centuries against the hosts and added a half-century against Afghanistan, underlining his consistency ahead of the World Cup.

Another key figure for Pakistan is fast bowler Ali Raza. Still only 17, the tall quick has already gained valuable senior-level experience. Raza made his Pakistan Super League debut in the 2025 season, claiming 12 wickets in nine matches for Peshawar Zalmi. 

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/pakistan-lose-thriller-agha-enters-t20i-record-books/

He also impressed in the Asia Cup final against India, where he took four wickets, including those of highly rated batters Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. With six first-class appearances and 12 List A matches to his name, Raza brings rare experience to Pakistan’s Under-19 attack.

England’s hopes in Group C will be led by captain Thomas Rew, a wicketkeeper-batter widely regarded as one of the country’s brightest young prospects. Rew follows in the footsteps of his older brother James, who came close to a century in the 2022 Under-19 World Cup final, but is considered by many to be even more accomplished. 

He has already made T20, List A, and first-class debuts for Somerset, including a first-class appearance against Australia A on England Lions’ recent tour. Rew was England Under-19’s leading run-scorer in last year’s youth ODI series against India and brings leadership and experience into the tournament.

Also central to England’s campaign is offspinner Farhan Ahmed, younger brother of England international Rehan Ahmed. After gaining county cricket experience this season, Farhan is seen as a fast-tracked prospect in England’s spin department. His ability to control the middle overs and take wickets could prove vital in World Cup conditions.

Zimbabwe, one of the co-hosts, will look to the Blignaut twins—sons of former international allrounder Andy Blignaut—for inspiration. Kian Blignaut, a top-order batter, has shown flashes of promise despite inconsistent recent form. 

He impressed on his List A debut last April, scoring 47 for Zimbabwe A against Scotland. His twin brother Michael, who bats lower down the order, has already registered half-centuries against South Africa and Pakistan at Under-19 level and is expected to play a key supporting role for the hosts.

With proven performers and rising stars spread across all four teams, Group C promises to be one of the most competitive and closely watched pools at the 2026 Under-19 World Cup.