India face Australia in ICC U19 World Cup opener

DUBAI: Three-time champions India and Australia will lock horns in their tournament opener of the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup, to be held in New Zealand from January 13 to February 3 next year. India are clubbed with Australia, Zimbabwe and qualifier Papua New Guinea in Group B, an ICC release stated on Thursday. Defending champion West Indies will play host New Zealand in the inaugural Group A day-night fixture at Bay Oval on the opening day of the event, featuring 16 teams in four groups across seven venues in four cities. The top two sides from each group will advance to the Super League while the remaining eight teams will figure in the plate championship. The final will be played at Bay Oval on February 3 while both semi-finals will be played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on January 29 and 30.