Ireland Under-19s vs Japan Under-19s, 20th Match, Group A
Ireland Under-19s vs Japan Under-19s: Key Facts
- When was Ireland Under-19s vs Japan Under-19s played?
- Ireland Under-19s vs Japan Under-19s, the 20th Match, Group A of ICC Men's Under-19 World Cup, was played on 22 January 2026, 1:00 pm IST.
- Where was Ireland Under-19s vs Japan Under-19s played?
- The match was played at Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek, Namibia.
- What format is Ireland Under-19s vs Japan Under-19s?
- It is an ODI match in ICC Men's Under-19 World Cup.
- Who won the toss in Ireland Under-19s vs Japan Under-19s?
- JPN Under-19 chose to bat
- Who won Ireland Under-19s vs Japan Under-19s?
- Ireland U19 won by 4 wickets (with 12 balls remaining)
- What is the average score at Namibia Cricket Ground?
- The average first-innings score in ODI matches at Namibia Cricket Ground is 272 and the average second-innings score is 196, based on 4 matches.
IRE19 vs JPN-U19 Dream11 Prediction: U19 World Cup Fantasy Tips, Pitch Report & Key Players
The Men's Under-19 World Cup action moves to the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek as Ireland U19 (IRE19) takes on Japan U19 (JPN U19). Both teams are coming off losses, but the individual performances in recent games have given fantasy managers plenty to think about. Ireland will look to leverage their experience, while Japan relies heavily on their in form batting sensation, Hugo Kelly.
Here is everything you need to know to build your skills based fantasy teams for this contest.
Match Details
- Match: Ireland U19 vs Japan U19 (ODI)
- Series: Men's Under-19 World Cup
- Date: 22 Jan 2026
- Time: 09:30 CAT (Local Time)
- Venue: Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
Weather Report & Pitch Analysis
Weather Forecast: Windhoek is expected to be warm with temperatures hovering around 28°C to 30°C. There is a slight chance of scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon, which might assist swing bowlers if the cloud cover persists. Humidity will be moderate.
Pitch Report: The surface at the Namibia Cricket Ground has been sporting. The average score in the last 4 matches is 234, suggesting a balanced contest between bat and ball. However, the stats scream pace dominance.
- Pacer Wickets (Last 4 Matches): 30
- Spinner Wickets (Last 4 Matches): 11
Fantasy Strategy: fast bowlers are the key here. The new ball moves, and pacers hitting the deck hard have found success. Batters who can see off the initial phase can score big, as seen in recent centuries at this venue.
Team Form Guide (Last 5 Matches)
- Ireland U19: L L W L L
- Japan U19: L L L L L
Ireland has had a mixed bag, showing fight against Australia but collapsing against Sri Lanka. Japan has struggled as a unit, but their individual brilliance (specifically Hugo Kelly) has been the talk of the tournament.
Probable Playing XI
Ireland U19 (IRE19): Callum Armstrong, Robert O'Brien, Freddie Ogilby, Sebastian Dijkstra, Adam Leckey, James West, Marko Bates, Oliver Riley, Reuben Wilson, Thomas Ford, Luke Murray.
Japan U19 (JPN U19): Nikhil Pol, Nihar Parmar, Hugo Kelly, Taylor Waugh, Charles Hinze, Kaisei Kobayashi Doggett, Kazuma Kato Stafford, Montgomery Hara Hinze, Chihaya Sekine, Gabriel Hara Hinze, Timothy Moore.
Key Players to Watch
The Must Haves
Hugo Kelly (JPN U19 | BAT/ALL) He is currently carrying the Japanese batting lineup. With scores of 101 against Sri Lanka and 79 against Australia in his last two outings, he is in the form of his life. He has a series average of 139 fantasy points. He is a default Captaincy choice for many.
Reuben Wilson (IRE19 | BOWL) Wilson is Ireland's strike bowler. He has been consistent, picking up wickets in almost every game. Given the pitch supports pacers (30 wickets recently), Wilson is a prime candidate for your bowling section.
Robert O'Brien (IRE19 | BAT) O'Brien looked solid against a strong Australian attack, scoring 79 runs. He is a technically sound left hander who can anchor the innings.
The Differentials
Timothy Moore (JPN U19 | BOWL) While Japan has struggled, Moore picked up 3 wickets against Sri Lanka. If Japan bowls first, he could be a valuable asset in the death overs.
Oliver Riley (IRE19 | BOWL) Riley took 2 wickets in the last match and complements Wilson well. He is often under selected but provides great value on this surface.
Captaincy & Vice Captaincy Picks
- Safe Captain: Hugo Kelly (Consistent runs against top teams)
- Safe Vice Captain: Reuben Wilson (High wicket taking probability)
- Risky/Grand League Captain: Robert O'Brien (Top order batter with high ceiling)
- Risky/Grand League Vice Captain: Timothy Moore (Differential bowler)
Fantasy Strategy for Mega Leagues
- Pace is Ace: Load your team with fast bowlers from Ireland. The stats show pacers take nearly 3x more wickets than spinners here.
- Top Heavy: Since the middle orders of both teams have been fragile, focus on the top 3 batters from Ireland and Hugo Kelly from Japan.
- The Kelly Factor: Even if you think Japan might lose, dropping Hugo Kelly is a massive risk given his current run scoring spree (180 runs in the series so far).
Disclaimer: This analysis is based on historical data and current form. Fantasy sports involve an element of financial risk and may be addictive. Please play responsibly and at your own risk.
Men's Under-19 World Cup IRE19 vs JPN-U19 players ODI past performance, current series performance, projected points and selection percentage.
Teams | Date | Venue | Toss | Bat First | Bat Second | Inning 1 | Inning 2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU-U19 vs IRE19 | 16 Jan - 01:00 PM | Windhoek | AUS Under-19 |  IRE19Ireland U19 |  AUS19 | 235/7 (50.0) | 237/2 (39.4) | AUS Under-19 AUS Under-19 won by 8 wickets (with 62 balls remaining) |
| IRE19 vs SL-U19 | 19 Jan - 01:00 PM | Windhoek | SL Under-19s |  SL19SL Under-19s | IRE19 | 267/5 (50.0) | 161/10 (40.1) | SL Under-19s SL Under-19 won by 106 runs |
| IRE19 vs JPN-U19 | 22 Jan - 01:00 PM | Windhoek | Japan U19 |  JPN19Japan U19 | IRE19 | 247/9 (50.0) | 251/6 (48.0) | Ireland U19 Ireland U19 won by 4 wickets (with 12 balls remaining) |
| WI19 vs IRE19 | 25 Jan - 01:00 PM | Windhoek | W Indies U19 |  WI19W Indies U19 | IRE19 | 226/10 (46.5) | 164/7 (40.0) | W Indies U19 W Indies U19 |
| AFG19 vs IRE19 | 30 Jan - 01:00 PM | Harare | Afghan U19 |  AFG19Afghan U19 | IRE19 | 315/7 (50.0) | 124/10 (40.4) | Afghan U19 AFG Under-19 won by 191 runs |
Teams | Date | Venue | Toss | Bat First | Bat Second | Inning 1 | Inning 2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPN-U19 vs SL-U19 | 17 Jan - 01:00 PM | Windhoek | Japan U19 | SL19SL Under-19s | JPN19 | 387/4 (50.0) | 184/8 (50.0) | SL Under-19s SL Under-19 won by 203 runs |
| AU-U19 vs JPN-U19 | 20 Jan - 01:00 PM | Windhoek | Japan U19 | JPN19Japan U19 | AUS19 | 201/8 (50.0) | 204/2 (29.1) | AUS Under-19 AUS Under-19 won by 8 wickets (with 125 balls remaining) |
| IRE19 vs JPN-U19 | 22 Jan - 01:00 PM | Windhoek | Japan U19 | JPN19Japan U19 | IRE19 | 247/9 (50.0) | 251/6 (48.0) | Ireland U19 Ireland U19 won by 4 wickets (with 12 balls remaining) |
| Tan19 vs Jpn19 | 24 Jan - 01:00 PM | Windhoek | Tanzania U19 |  Tan19Tanzania U19 | JPN19 | 131/10 (38.3) | 136/1 (28.2) | Japan U19 JPN Under-19 won by 9 wickets (with 130 balls remaining) |
Teams | Date | Toss | Bat First | Bat Second | Inning 1 | Inning 2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU-U19 vs IRE19 | 16 Jan - 01:00 PM | AUS Under-19 | IRE19Ireland U19 | AUS19 | 235/7 (50.0) | 237/2 (39.4) | AUS Under-19 AUS Under-19 won by 8 wickets (with 62 balls remaining) |
| JPN-U19 vs SL-U19 | 17 Jan - 01:00 PM | Japan U19 | SL19SL Under-19s | JPN19 | 387/4 (50.0) | 184/8 (50.0) | SL Under-19s SL Under-19 won by 203 runs |
| IRE19 vs SL-U19 | 19 Jan - 01:00 PM | SL Under-19s | SL19SL Under-19s | IRE19 | 267/5 (50.0) | 161/10 (40.1) | SL Under-19s SL Under-19 won by 106 runs |
| AU-U19 vs JPN-U19 | 20 Jan - 01:00 PM | Japan U19 | JPN19Japan U19 | AUS19 | 201/8 (50.0) | 204/2 (29.1) | AUS Under-19 AUS Under-19 won by 8 wickets (with 125 balls remaining) |
| IRE19 vs JPN-U19 | 22 Jan - 01:00 PM | Japan U19 | JPN19Japan U19 | IRE19 | 247/9 (50.0) | 251/6 (48.0) | Ireland U19 Ireland U19 won by 4 wickets (with 12 balls remaining) |
| AU-U19 vs SL-U19 | 23 Jan - 01:00 PM | AUS Under-19 | SL19SL Under-19s | AUS19 | 58/10 (18.5) | 61/1 (12.0) | AUS Under-19 AUS Under-19 won by 9 wickets (with 228 balls remaining) |
| SA19 vs AUS19 | 25 Jan - 01:00 PM | AUS Under-19 |  SA19S Africa U19 | AUS19 | 118/10 (32.1) | 122/4 (32.5) | AUS Under-19 AUS Under-19 won by 6 wickets (with 103 balls remaining) |
| AFG19 vs SL19 | 26 Jan - 01:00 PM | SL Under-19s | AFG19Afghan U19 | SL19 | 193/10 (49.5) | 194/6 (46.5) | SL Under-19s SL Under-19 won by 4 wickets (with 19 balls remaining) |
