Lahore, As the 15th edition of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup commences in South Africa, the Pakistan U19 cricket team, led by Saad Baig, is gearing up for its campaign in Group D against formidable opponents Afghanistan, Nepal, and New Zealand.

According to Pakistan Cricket Board, Pakistan’s journey will begin against Afghanistan U19 in East London on January 20, with subsequent matches against Nepal U19 and New Zealand U19 scheduled for January 24 and 27. The top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage.

Pakistan U19 boasts a well-balanced squad featuring talented batters and bowlers. The fast bowling unit is led by Ubaid Shah, brother of Test fast bowler Naseem Shah, and the towering Mohammad Zeeshan, expected to excel in South African conditions. Left-arm pacer Amir Hassan is another key player in the squad. The team is also strong in the spin department with Arafat Minhas, Ali Asfand, and Naveed Ahmed Khan.

In preparation for the World Cup, Pakistan U19 played two warm-up games, one against South Africa U19 and another against England U19, gaining valuable match experience.

Pakistan’s rich history in the U19 World Cup includes two championship titles in 2004 and 2006. The team has consistently been a strong contender in the tournament, showcasing talents like Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Malik, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Afridi in past editions. Notably, the 2008 batch saw eight players eventually represent the national men’s team.

Pakistan U19’s performance in this World Cup is eagerly anticipated, with matches set to begin at 1300 PKT and live streaming available on ICC TV. The team’s blend of experience and young talent makes them a team to watch in this prestigious tournament.