The cricketing world’s eyes are on South Africa, as the country hosts the thrilling ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup 2024.
Here’s how the Mens U19 Cricket World Cup tournament format works
The tournament, initially slated for Sri Lanka, has found a new home due to the suspension of the Sri Lankan board by the ICC.
South Africa, a previous host in 1998 and 2020, is ready to showcase its cricketing prowess once again.
The 15th edition of the tournament features 16 teams divided into four groups.
Group A includes:
- India;
- Bangladesh;
- Ireland; and
- USA
Group B boasts:
- England;
- South Africa;
- West Indies; and
- Scotland
Group C comprises:
- Australia;
- Sri Lanka;
- Zimbabwe; and
- Namibia
Group D has:
- Afghanistan;
- Pakistan;
- New Zealand; and
- Nepal
In this cricket fiesta, the top three teams from Groups A and D will form one Super Six stage group, and the top three from Groups B and C will form another.
The best two from each Super Six group will march into the semi-finals, with the showdown set for Sunday, 11 February 2024.
Here’s the complete U19 Proteas fixture list
For the Proteas‘ fans, mark your calendars! South Africa’s U19 squad begins their quest against the West Indies on Friday, 19 January 2023 in Potchefstroom.
Next up, they face England on Tuesday, 23 January 2024 and then Scotland on Saturday, 27 January 2024, both in Potchefstroom.
Here’s a look at the complete U19 Proteas Cricket World Cup fixture list:
Match | Date | Time | Venue |
Proteas vs West Indies | Friday, 19 Jan 2024 | 10:00 | JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom |
Proteas vs England | Tuesday, 23 Jan 2024 | 10:00 | JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom |
Proteas vs Scotland | Saturday, 27 Jan 2024 | 10:00 | JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom |
The team’s journey through the tournament will depend on their performance in these key matches.
Will David Teeger play in the U19 Cricket World Cup 2024?
Off the field, the Proteas faced a curveball with the controversy surrounding former captain David Teeger.
Italian sportswear brand Diadora, a key sponsor, had to clarify its stance after an executive at their South African office reportedly threatened to withdraw sponsorship if Teeger played.
The executive’s statement followed Teeger’s pro-Israel comments at the Absa Jewish Achiever Awards, which sparked debate and led to his demotion from the captaincy due to security concerns.
Diadora has since distanced itself from these statements, emphasising that the executive’s views do not reflect the company’s position.
Despite the turmoil, the Proteas U19 team, now under the leadership of Juan James, is focused on their World Cup campaign, with Teeger very much part of the squad.