With South Africa, the hosts, being joined by 2022 finalists England, the 2016 champions West Indies, and a spirited Scotland aspect, Group B of the ICC U19 Males’s Cricket World Cup has the potential to thrill.
They start in Potchefstroom with South Africa taking up West Indies on opening day (19 January) earlier than neighbours Scotland and England conflict the subsequent day.
Additionally learn: ICC U19 World Cup 2024: Two most up-to-date champions the groups to look at in Group A
This is a complete take a look at group B, and a few of the future stars to be careful for:
England
England got here tantalisingly near claiming the U19 Males’s CWC trophy within the earlier version, solely to stumble within the ultimate in opposition to India. It meant the hunt for his or her second U19 World Cup silverware has eluded them since their maiden win again in 1998.
The accountability now falls on Ben McKinney to propel the workforce additional than their final try and shatter the U19 World Cup drought that has continued for nearly three many years.Â
England has spared no effort of their preparations, travelling to Australia and India prior to now yr to fine-tune their expertise for the upcoming event.
Squad
Ben McKinney (c), Luc Benkenstein, Farhan Ahmed, Tazeem Ali, Charlie Allison, Charlie Barnard, Jack Carney, Jaydn Denly, Eddie Jack, Dominic Kelly, Sebastian Morgan, Haydon Mustard, Hamza Shaikh, Noah Thain, Theo Wylie.
Fixtures
20 January: v Scotland, Potchefstroom23 January: v South Africa, Potchefstroom26 January: v West Indies, Potchefstroom
Be careful for
Hamza Shaikh
England’s Hamza Shaikh has loved a stellar yr in junior cricket. For the reason that final U19 Males’s Cricket World Cup, no England participant has scored extra runs than Hamza.
In simply eight matches, the 17-year-old has amassed 508 runs at a mean of 63.50 and a strike-rate of near 95. He has scored two centuries throughout that run, each of which got here in opposition to Bangladesh when England toured India for a Quadrangular sequence in November.
Including to his worth, Shaikh brings precious expertise from enjoying Record A cricket for Warwickshire, presenting a major asset for the England aspect heading into the upcoming U19 World Cup.Â
His exceptional run-scoring skill and seasoned publicity at a excessive stage will make him a key participant to look at within the event.
What they mentioned
Ben McKinney, England captain: “We need to take pleasure in and showcase our expertise and impose ourselves on each recreation, with an general intention to go on and to win the event.”
