New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the schedule of the 2024 ICC Under-19 World Cup, which will be held in South Africa from January 19 to February 11. The tournament will feature 16 teams, divided into four groups of four each. The top three teams from each group will qualify for the Super 12 stage, where they will play two matches against teams from another group. The top four teams from the Super 12 stage will advance to the semi-finals, followed by the final. A reserve day has been allocated for both the semi-finals and the final.
The defending champions India, who won the title for a record fifth time in 2022, will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on January 20 in Bloemfontein. India and Bangladesh are in Group A, along with Ireland and USA. Group B consists of England, South Africa, West Indies and Scotland. Group C comprises Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Group D includes Afghanistan, Pakistan, New Zealand and Nepal.
The following table shows the complete schedule of the group stage matches:
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 19 | England vs Scotland | Colombo Cricket Club Ground |
| Jan 19 | South Africa vs West Indies | R.Premadasa Stadium |
| Jan 19 | Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe | P Sara Oval |
| Jan 19 | Australia vs Namibia | Sinhalese Sports Club |
| Jan 20 | India vs Bangladesh | R.Premadasa Stadium |
| Jan 20 | Ireland vs USA | Colombo Cricket Club Ground |
| Jan 20 | Afghanistan vs Pakistan | P Sara Oval |
| Jan 20 | New Zealand vs Nepal | Sinhalese Sports Club |
| Jan 22 | England vs South Africa | R.Premadasa Stadium |
| Jan 22 | Scotland vs West Indies | Colombo Cricket Club Ground |
| Jan 22 | Sri Lanka vs Australia | P Sara Oval |
| Jan 22 | Zimbabwe vs Namibia | Sinhalese Sports Club |
| Jan 23 | India vs Ireland | R.Premadasa Stadium |
| Jan 23 | Bangladesh vs USA | Colombo Cricket Club Ground |
| Jan 23 | Afghanistan vs New Zealand | P Sara Oval |
| Jan 23 | Pakistan vs Nepal | Sinhalese Sports Club |
| Jan 25 | England vs West Indies | R.Premadasa Stadium |
| Jan 25 | South Africa vs Scotland | Colombo Cricket Club Ground |
| Jan 25 | Sri Lanka vs Namibia | P Sara Oval |
| Jan 25 | Australia vs Zimbabwe | Sinhalese Sports Club |
| Jan 26 | India vs USA | R.Premadasa Stadium |
| Jan 26 | Bangladesh vs Ireland | Colombo Cricket Club Ground |
| Jan 26 | Afghanistan vs Nepal | P Sara Oval |
| Jan 26 | Pakistan vs New Zealand | Sinhalese Sports Club |
The Under-19 World Cup is a prestigious event that showcases the future stars of international cricket. The tournament was first held in 1988 in Australia and has been held every two years since 1998. India is the most successful team in the history of the tournament, having won the title five times, followed by Australia with three titles, and Pakistan with two titles. Bangladesh, South Africa, England and West Indies have also won the trophy once each. Some of the notable players who have emerged from the Under-19 World Cup include Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, Brian Lara, Ricky Ponting, Inzamam-ul-Haq, and Sanath Jayasuriya.
