NEXT GENERATION IS HERE
EXCITEMENT is building as the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup gears up for its 15th edition, set to commence on January 19.
The tournament promises some thrilling cricket action, showcasing the talents of rising stars from 16 countries that will be vying for glory in 48 matches across five venues.
This coming Sunday, the excitement begins for Kimberley residents at the Diamond Oval as Group C kicks off with a thrilling match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe and, best of all, entrance is free.
GROUPS AND FORMAT
The tournament kicks off with a double-header featuring hosts South Africa against the West Indies and a showdown between Ireland and the USA. The 16 participating nations are divided into four groups:
Group A: Bangladesh, India, Ireland, USA
Group B: England, Scotland, South Africa, West Indies
Group C: Australia, Namibia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe
Group D: Afghanistan, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan
The 15th edition of the tournament introduces a new format, with the top three teams from each group progressing to the Super Six stage, starting on January 30. Two groups of six teams will battle it out to determine the semi-finalists, leading to an epic final showdown.
KEY DATES
Group A and B action commences on the opening day, January 19, and features clashes between Ireland and the USA in Bloemfontein and hosts South Africa against the West Indies in Potchefstroom.
Group D's opening match between Afghanistan and Pakistan follows on January 20 in East London, while Group C begins on January 21 in Kimberley with Sri Lanka taking on Zimbabwe.
After the group stage, the spotlight then shifts to the Super Six stage, starting on January 30, where the top teams from Group A and D face off against the best from Group B and C.
The semi-finals kick off on
February 6, setting the stage for the grand finale on February 11 at Willowmoore Park in Benoni.
HISTORICAL INSIGHTS
This marks South Africa's third time hosting the event, with prior editions hosted in 1998 and 2020.
The tournament, first contested in 1988 as the Youth Cricket World Cup, witnessed Australia claim the inaugural title. England secured victory in the next edition, held a decade later.
India, the current defending champions, stand as the most successful side with five titles, closely followed by Australia with three. Pakistan boasts two victories, in 2004 and 2006, while Bangladesh, England, South Africa and the West Indies each have one title to their name.
As the cricket world eagerly awaits the next wave of talent to emerge, the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2024 promises to be a spectacle of skill, passion and fierce competition. So, if you are a cricket lover, then you should get ready to witness the future stars in action!