Johannesburg, The highly anticipated ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 is just ten days away, with South Africa ready to host the world’s top young cricketers from January 19. The 15th edition of this celebrated event promises 41 matches over 24 days, showcasing emerging cricket talent at five distinguished venues across the country.
According to International Cricket Council, the tournament will unfold at Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, Kimberley Oval in Kimberley, JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom, Buffalo Park in East London, and Willowmoore Park in Benoni. Willowmoore Park holds the honour of hosting the semi-finals and final match on February 11.
Free access for fans is a highlight, offering an opportunity to witness the next generation of cricket stars. The venues will feature a festival atmosphere, complete with braai areas, children’s entertainment like jumping castles and face painting, live music, and a mini-cricket area.
Teams are in the final phase of their preparations, with warm-up fixtures scheduled in Johannesburg and Pretoria between January 13 and 17. These matches provide a prelude to the main event, with each team playing two warm-up games.
The opening day on January 19 features host South Africa against former U19 champion West Indies in Potchefstroom. South Africa’s captain David Teeger expressed excitement about playing in a home World Cup. The same day, Ireland faces the USA in Bloemfontein, and on January 20, defending champions India meet Bangladesh in a repeat of the 2020 final.
India’s U19 captain Uday Saharan shared his team’s intense preparations and eagerness to compete. His counterpart from Bangladesh, Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby, emphasized the team’s aspiration to replicate past successes, including their recent Asian championship victory.
Other key matches include England versus Scotland and Pakistan against Afghanistan on January 20. England’s captain Ben McKinney conveyed his team’s enthusiasm, while Scotland’s Owen Gould highlighted the significance of their opening match against England. Afghanistan’s Naseer Khan Maroof Khil also shared his team’s high ambitions.
The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup will start all matches at 10:00 local time (SAST). The complete schedule is available through the International Cricket Council.
Warm-up fixtures include various matchups such as USA vs. Namibia, India vs. Australia, and South Africa vs. Pakistan, with the games spanning several days and venues in Pretoria and Johannesburg.