Brandon Moyo
Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE have been placed in a tough Group C for the 2024 International Cricket Council Men’s Under-19 World Cup finals in Sri Lanka in January.
The tournament is scheduled to run from January 13 – February 5.
Zimbabwe’s group consists of the hosts, Australia and Namibia.
Zimbabwe will play in the first game of the tournament on 13 January against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo, before they go on to face Namibia three days later.
The Prosper Utseya coached Zimbabwe Under-19 cricket team will conclude their group games against Australia, two days after their clash against Namibia.
Zimbabwe got automatic qualification to the World Cup as one of the best placed full member nations from the previous edition last year.
In last year’s tournament, the Young Chevrons finished in 12th place after an eight-wicket defeat at the hands of the West Indies in a play-off match.
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) said they were looking to put in the work to make sure the Under-19s finish in a better position than in the previous two events.
The team toured India where they played against clubs from the Asian nation.
Some of the players have been taking part in the country’s premier club cricket competition, the National Premier League (NPL).
This will be the 15th edition of the Under-19 World Cup, and the third to be held in Sri Lanka after the 2000 and 2006 editions.
After this one, Zimbabwe will co-host the 2026 World Cup, alongside Namibia.
A total of 41 matches will be played throughout the tournament.
ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup Qualifiers Groups:
Group A: India, Bangladesh, Ireland, USA
Group B: England, South Africa, West Indies, Scotland
Group C: Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Namibia
Group D: Afghanistan, Pakistan, New Zealand, Nepal.