“The Men’s Under-19 World Cup Is Scheduled To Dazzle Cricket Fans In South Africa From January 19 To February 11. Get Ready For An Exciting Showcase Of Emerging Talent And Sportsmanship”

2023.12.12

“The landscape has undergone a captivating transformation, as teams, having triumphed in the group stages, now embark on a riveting Super Six odyssey before plunging into the thrilling realm of knockout battles.”

The upcoming Men’s Under-19 World Cup, relocated from Sri Lanka to the vibrant landscapes of South Africa, is set to unfold its cricketing spectacle from January 19 to February 11 in the coming year. The crescendo of this youth cricket extravaganza will resound in Benoni, where the final showdown will captivate fans.

The groups remain unchanged from their initial announcement, painting a canvas of fierce competition: Group A boasts India, Bangladesh, Ireland, and the USA; Group B showcases the cricket prowess of England, South Africa, West Indies, and Scotland; Group C brings together Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Namibia; while Group D witnesses the clash of titans with Afghanistan, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Nepal. The stage is set, and the cricketing saga awaits its heroes.

The opening day will include two games: Ireland vs. USA in Bloemfontein and South Africa vs. West Indies in Potchefstroom. The next day, defending champions India will begin their campaign against 2020 champions Bangladesh in Bloemfontein.

The dates of the tournament, as well as the five locations where the 41 matches would be played, were revealed by the ICC on Monday: Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom, Buffalo Park in East London, Kimberley Oval, and Willowmoore Park in Benoni.

It will also be contested in a new format, with teams advancing from four groups of four teams each into a Super Six round, where two groups of six teams will compete for a spot in the semi-finals.

The tournament had to be shifted out of Sri Lanka after the ICC Board provisionally suspending Sri Lanka Cricket, on November 23, because of extensive government interference in the SLC’s administration.

“While the task of hosting the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 has been conferred upon us with very tight timelines, we are happy to take on the challenge,” tournament director Wanele Mngomezulu stated. Hosting this tournament helps us to hone our skills and capacities in preparation for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, which will be hosted in South Africa.

“Hosting the tournament on home soil is opportune for us to promote cricket to sport loving South Africans and attract new fans and young talent to the game, thereby driving our strategic pillars of excellence, access, and inclusion.”

The teams will play two warm-up matches apiece between January 13 and 17, in Johannesburg and Cape Town.