Dubai: Holders India will begin their U-19 World Cup defence with a clash against Sri Lanka January 19 at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Four-time champions India have been grouped alongside New Zealand, Sri Lanka and first-timers Japan in Group A in the tournament, starting January 17.
India will take on Japan and New Zealand January 21 and 24 respectively in the 16-team tournament, the final of which is scheduled for February 9. Last edition’s runner-up and three-time champion Australia will take on West Indies in Group B opening encounter that also features England and debutants Nigeria.
Group C will see Pakistan battle alongside Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and Scotland. Hosts South Africa will play their opening match against Afghanistan January 17. United Arab Emirates and Canada are the other teams in Group D.
The 13th edition of the tournament will see the second phase dividing the teams into Super League and Plate tournaments. The top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the Super League while the remaining teams will feature in the Plate championship, the ICC.
The JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom will hosts two Super League quarterfinals, both semi-finals and the final. The top 11 full Members in the last edition in New Zealand and the five regional champions, who have qualified for the event, will also play warm-up matches from 12-15 January in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Group A: India, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Japan; Group B: Australia, England, West Indies, Nigeria; Group C: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Scotland; Group D: Afghanistan, South Africa, UAE, Canada.