Under-19 World Cup Winners List: From 1988 To 2025

The ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup is a fantastic platform for young cricketers around the world. Since 1988, this tournament has served as a platform for achieving international fame! In short, it’s a place where new talent finds opportunities and dreams take flight. In that time, cricket has seen the rise of players like Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Kagiso Rabada, all great in their own way.

A complete list of all ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup winners. From 1988 to 2025, from Australia’s first victory to India’s recent dominance.

ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup Winners List (1988-2025)

A Journey Through the Under-19 World Cup Eras  

The Beginning: Australia Set the Tone (1988)

The first Youth Cricket World Cup was originally called the McDonald’s Bicentennial Youth World Cup. It was held in 1988 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of European colonization in Australia.

Australia won the inaugural title, defeating Pakistan in the final. The tournament introduced the world to numerous young talents and laid the foundation for future ICC youth events.

The Revival: England’s Breakthrough (1998)

After a decade-long hiatus, the Under-19 World Cup returned in 1998, with England defeating New Zealand. The event featured several players who would later become international legends, including Gayle, Graeme Smith, and Shoaib Malik.

India’s First Step to Greatness (2000)

The year 2000 was a special one for India. Under the captaincy of Mohammad Kaif, India won its first Under-19 World Cup title by defeating Sri Lanka in Colombo.

A young Yuvraj Singh’s all-round performance caught everyone’s attention and he was awarded the Player of the Tournament, a sign of future greatness.

Golden Era of Pakistan (2004-2006)

Pakistan became the first team to win consecutive Under-19 titles, winning in 2004 (Bangladesh) and 2006 (Sri Lanka).

Under the captaincy of Khalid and Sarfraz respectively, Pakistan’s young players showed their talent with players like Imad Wasim and Anwar Ali.

India’s Youth Revolution (2008-2022)

The trend of India’s dominance in the Under-19 World Cup started to take shape back in 2008, when Virat Kohli led the team to glory in Malaysia.
This continued until several other successes, including:

• 2012: Captain Unmukt Chand led India to victory against Australia.
• 2018: Prithvi Shaw-led team thrashed Australia in New Zealand.
• 2022: Yash Dhull’s India beat England in the Caribbean.

These victories made India the most successful team in the history of the Under-19 World Cup.

Other Memorable Winners

• South Africa (2014): Led by Aiden Markram, they won their first title in the UAE.
• West Indies (2016): They pulled off a huge upset under Shimron Hetmyer in the final to win their maiden Under-19 title, beating India.
• Bangladesh (2020): The Tigers’ youth team created history as they defeated India in a pulsating final.

Australia’s Comeback & India’s 2025 Glory

Australia regained its title after a brief hiatus in 2024, defeating India in a high-voltage final in Sri Lanka. A balanced team led by Hugh Webgen proved unstoppable in crucial moments. But in 2025, cricket history took a dramatic turn when India regained the Under-19 crown. In short, they defeated Australia in the final in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Led by Uday Saharan, India completely outclassed their rivals, with Mushir Khan and Raj Limbani delivering stellar performances. This victory gave India a record sixth Under-19 World Cup title.

Under-19 World Cup Records (Till 2025)  

• Most Titles: India: 6
• Most Finals: India: 9
• Most Runs in a Single Edition: Shikhar Dhawan – 505 (2004)
• Most Wickets in a Single Edition: Enamul Haque Jr. – 22 (2004)
• Highest Team Total: Australia – 480/6 vs Kenya (2002)
• Lowest Total: Namibia, 41 all out vs Australia (2002)
• Largest Win Margin: Australia defeated Kenya by 430 runs (2002)

Read More: ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Winners List (From 2009-2025)

Conclusion   

Since the 1988 to the record-breaking sixth title won by India in 2025! hTe ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup has been an occasion of excitement, discovery, and pride. It is more than just a tournament; it is a stage where legends are born. Each edition adds new tales of determination, teamwork, and youthful brilliance. And with each passing year, the competition grows stronger. Why? It’s because young cricketers from around the world dream of lifting that trophy, and the Under-19 World Cup inspire the future of cricket.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. When was the first ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup played?

The first Under-19 Cricket World Cup was held in 1988 in Australia, which the hosts won, beating Pakistan in the final. It was originally called the Youth Cricket World Cup.

Q2. Who is the winner of the latest Under-19 World Cup (2025)?

India won the 2025 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup that took place in South Africa, beating Australia in the final. Captain Uday Saharan led the young Indian side to their sixth title.

Q3. Which team won the first Under-19 World Cup?

Australia won the inaugural Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 1988, beating Pakistan in the final.

Q4. Has any team won successive Under-19 World Cups?

Yes, Pakistan is the only team to win back-to-back titles, in 2004 and 2006.

Q5. Which country has produced the greatest number of senior level stars from Under-19 cricket?

India and Australia pace the pack and have produced many international stars like Virat, Smith, and Pat, who all started in Under-19 cricket.

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