U19 World Cup: Sri Lanka in tough group with West Indies, Australia

Friday, 19 November 2021 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

SL to play Scotland in opener

The withdrawal of New Zealand from the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup and their replacement Scotland has given Sri Lanka some breathing space in an otherwise tough Group D draw for them which comprises host West Indies and three-time winner Australia.

New Zealand has withdrawn due to the extensive mandatory quarantine restrictions for minors on their return home.

The other three groups have relatively easy draws with reigning champions Bangladesh and England being grouped with Canada and UAE, four times champion India and South Africa being grouped with Ireland and Uganda, and two-time champions Pakistan grouped with Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Papua New Guinea.

The participating 16 teams for the 48-match global event that will be held in the Caribbean from 14 January to 5 February, have been divided into four groups of four teams each. The format will see the top two teams from each of the four groups advance to the Super League while the remaining teams feature in the Plate.

The four host countries confirmed as the venues for the matches are Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago.

Teams from Group D will commence the tournament at Guyana on 14 January with Sri Lanka facing Scotland at Everest Cricket Club and West Indies taking on Australia at the Guyana National Stadium.

Sri Lanka’s second game is against Australia on 17 January at Conaree Cricket Center, St Kitts and Nevis and their final group game against West Indies on 21 January at the same venue.

ICC U19 Cricket World Cup groupings

Group A – Bangladesh, England, Canada, United Arab Emirates
Group B – India, Ireland, South Africa, Uganda
Group C – Afghanistan, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe
Group D – Australia, Scotland, Sri Lanka, West Indies