Featuring young and upcoming talent from 16 nations, the 15th edition of the ICC Under-19 World Cup in South Africa is expected to excite fans during the course of which cricket is sure to unearth the next generation of superstars, organizers claim.
The tournament will feature five-time winners and defending champions India, the reigning ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup holders Australia and New Zealand, who’ll be making a comeback after missing out on the most recent edition in the West Indies in 2022.
The 11 full member nations who featured in the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2022 earned direct qualification.
The teams that directly qualified were South Africa (2014 champions), Australia (1988, 2002, 2010), Afghanistan, Bangladesh (2020), England (1998), India (2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, 2022), Ireland, Pakistan (2004, 2006), Sri Lanka, the West Indies (2016) and Zimbabwe.
The teams that had to qualify were Namibia, the United States, Nepal, New Zealand and Scotland.
As many as 12 sides will remain in contention for the ultimate prize after the opening stage featuring the 16 teams – unlike eight in the previous edition. Sri Lanka will have to play against Zimbabwe, Namibia and Australia in the opening stage.
In the 2022 edition of the tournament, Yash Dhull’s India had a flawless run, with Ravi Kumar and Raj Bawa holding off a spirited England performance in the final to help the side to another crown.
The 2024 edition presents the young Blues with a chance to not just win their sixth title, but also become the first since 2006 to successfully defend it.As hosts, South Africa will seek to make the most of their home advantage.
The young Proteas are hoping to win their first title since the class of 2014 stormed to the title.
(ICC)
