The Men's Under-19 World Cup is in full swing, and we have a cracking contest lined up at the High Performance Oval in Windhoek. Afghanistan U19 takes on West Indies U19 in what promises to be a battle of grit and skill. Both teams are coming off wins in their previous outings at this very venue, making this a crucial encounter for the leaderboard standings.
If you are looking to create a winning team for your fantasy contests, you are in the right place. Let's dive into the pitch report, recent form, and the players who can help you top the winning zone.
Match Details
- Match: AF U19 vs WI19, Men's Under-19 World Cup
- Venue: High Performance Oval, Windhoek
- Date & Time: 18 Jan 2026, 09:30 Local Time
Weather & Pitch Report
Windhoek is expected to be warm and sunny for this day match, with temperatures hovering around 28°C. The humidity will be low, so we don't expect much swing in the air later in the day, but the morning moisture might help the seamers.
Ground Stats (Last 2 Matches):
- Average Score: 187 Runs
- Pacer Wickets: 18
- Spinner Wickets: 9
The stats scream one thing: Pace is King. The High Performance Oval has been a graveyard for batters recently. With an average score of just 187, this is not a wicket for blind slogging. Fast bowlers have taken double the wickets compared to spinners. For your fantasy teams, prioritize bowlers who hit the deck hard and top order batters who have the technique to survive the new ball.
Team Analysis: Afghanistan U19
Afghanistan is entering this game with high confidence after a solid win against South Africa U19. Their batting clicked, posting 266, which is a huge score on this ground.
Key Performers:
- Faisal: He was the star of the show in the last match, smashing 81 runs. He looks in great touch and is a reliable pick for your fantasy team.
- Khalid Ahmadzai: The wicket keeper batter played a crucial knock of 74 runs. His glove work adds extra fantasy points potential.
- Khatir Stanikzai: Leading the pace attack, he picked up 2 wickets in the last game. On this surface, he is a must have.
- Uzairullah Khamosh: An all round asset who has shown he can score runs (51 series avg points) and contribute with the ball.
Team Analysis: West Indies U19
West Indies U19 had a comfortable outing against Tanzania, defending a low total by bowling them out for 122. Their bowling unit is their biggest strength.
Key Performers:
- Tanez Francis: The top scorer for the Windies in the last game with a composed 52. He seems to be the backbone of their batting lineup.
- Vitel Lawes: A massive threat with the ball. He picked up 3 wickets in the previous match. Even though he is a wrist spinner (LWS), he is finding success here.
- Shaquan Belle: A dynamic player who contributes in both departments. He picked up 2 wickets recently and can hit the long ball.
- Jewel Andrew: The wicket keeper is a safe pair of hands and scored a handy 44 recently.
Top Fantasy Picks
Based on current form and pitch conditions, here are the players you should consider for your major leagues:
- Faisal (AF U19): Top form with the bat.
- Vitel Lawes (WI19): Wicket taking machine.
- Khatir Stanikzai (AF U19): Exploits the pace friendly conditions well.
- Tanez Francis (WI19): Reliable top order batter.
- Shaquan Belle (WI19): High points potential due to all round skills.
Captain & Vice Captain Choices
- Safe Options: Faisal, Tanez Francis
- Differential Picks: Vitel Lawes, Khatir Stanikzai
Winning Strategy
Since the average score is low, avoid stacking your team with too many aggressive batters. The real value lies in the bowlers, especially the pacers who bowl in the death overs. A team combination of 4 batters, 3 all rounders, and 4 bowlers could be the ideal balance for this contest. Good luck with your skills, and may you top the leaderboard!