Few weeks after the flip of the brand new yr, consideration will probably be on unearthing potential stars for the long run when the fifteenth version of the ICC U19 Males’s Cricket World Cup begins on 19 January in South Africa.
Will probably be the second successive yr that South Africa will probably be internet hosting the age-group international occasion after Shafali Verma-led India received the inaugural U19 occasion for ladies, which was performed within the T20 format.
That includes 16 nations, the boys’s 50-over event will span 24 days, with a complete of 41 matches to be performed throughout 5 venues in South Africa. Among the many contenders will probably be five-time winners and defending champions India, the reigning ICC Males’s Cricket World Cup holders Australia, and New Zealand, who’ll be making a comeback after lacking out on the newest version within the West Indies in 2022. The event can even witness a brand new format.
Yash Dhull-led India received the final version of the event within the West Indies in 2022 and are positioned in Group A with Bangladesh, Eire and the USA. Group B options England, South Africa, West Indies, and Scotland. In Group C there will probably be Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Namibia, whereas Group D options Afghanistan, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Nepal.
The wait is over 🤩
Fixtures for the 2024 ICC U19 Males’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa are OUT! 🗓️#U19WorldCup | Extra ➡️ https://t.co/IX3eV3Z5fY pic.twitter.com/glWKCQF7xJ
— ICC (@ICC) December 11, 2023
Format tweaked
The occasion in South Africa, which was initially meant to be held in Sri Lanka, will probably be a departure from the Plate and Tremendous League format that had been a function on the event in earlier editions.
The competitors retains the identical variety of groups (16) as in 2022 and divides them into 4 teams of 4 sides, as was the case within the final version. Issues, nonetheless, get extra fascinating from right here. As many as 12 sides will stay in rivalry for the final word prize after the opening stage – not like eight within the earlier version.
The highest three sides from every group will qualify for the following section. Right here, the highest groups from teams A and D will probably be clubbed collectively in what will probably be often called the Tremendous Six stage, and likewise with the highest three groups from teams B and C. They are going to carry ahead their factors and web run fee achieved towards fellow Tremendous Six qualifying groups from their respective teams.
Right here, all sides will play two encounters. These will probably be towards these groups from the corresponding group, who completed at completely different group stage positions. For instance, the highest workforce in Group A (A1) will play the groups positioned second and third in group D (D2 and D3).
The highest two sides from these teams will then qualify for the knockout levels, comprising the semi-finals and the ultimate, to be held in Benoni on 11 February.
India eye uncommon title defence
Within the 2022 version of the event, Dhull’s India had a flawless run, with Ravi Kumar and Raj Bawa holding off a spirited England efficiency within the remaining to assist the facet to a different crown.
Whereas the age-specific nature of the event principally ensures {that a} set of contemporary faces seems in every new version, India has nonetheless managed to win three out of the final six tournaments.
Indian gamers have a good time throughout U19 World Cup remaining cricket match between India and England. (Supply: PTI)
India have constantly produced high-caliber gamers at this stage and have appeared in each single remaining of the U19 Males’s CWC since 2016.
Nevertheless, the facet has by no means fairly managed to carry the World Cup on back-to-back events. This feat belongs solely to Pakistan, which received in 2004 and 2006.
The 2024 version presents India with an opportunity to not simply win their sixth title, but additionally change into the primary since 2006 to efficiently defend it.
How groups certified
As hosts, South Africa will search to benefit from their residence benefit. The younger Proteas are hoping to win their first title because the class of 2014 stormed to the title, powered by captain Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada.
David Teeger’s facet start their marketing campaign towards the West Indies, the 2016 Champions, on 19 January, earlier than taking up 2022 finalists England on 23 January and Scotland on 27 January for his or her remaining group fixture.
The 11 full member nations who featured within the U19 Males’s Cricket World Cup 2022 earned direct qualification for the South Africa occasion.
These groups had been South Africa (2014 champions), Australia (1988, 2002, 2010), Afghanistan, Bangladesh (2020), England (1998), India (2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, 2022), Eire, Pakistan (2004, 2006), Sri Lanka, the West Indies (2016), and Zimbabwe.
For the 5 remaining spots, groups needed to progress by way of their respective regional qualification tournaments.