U19 Cricket World Cup: Group Stage Review
The 2024 U19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa commenced on 19 January with 16 teams competing for 12 spots in the Super Sixes stage. The group stage consisted of four groups of four teams each.
Each group played all their matches at their own venue across the country as follows:
Group A – India, Bangladesh, Ireland, USA
Venue: Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.
Group B – SA, England, West Indies, Scotland
Venue: JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom.
Group C – Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Namibia
Venue: Diamond Oval in Kimberly.
Group D – Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Nepal
Venue: Buffalo Park in East London.
OPENING SALVOES
The hosts kickstarted the tournament as the South Africa U19 side took on West Indies at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom, while Ireland took on the United States of America (USA) at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.
The SA U19s lost the toss and were asked to bat first and managed to get off to a solid start, despite losing Steve Stolk early for five. Lhuan-dre Pretorius set the platform with a 34-ball 40 as the SA U19s made their way to 58-2 at the end of the powerplay. The West Indies then hit back to reduce the junior Proteas to 147-6 and in danger of being dismissed for under 200. However, Dewan Marais (65 off 38) had other plans in conjunction with captain Juan James (47 off 54) as they stitched together a remarkable partnership of 131 off only 98 balls to lift the total to 285-9 at the end of their 50 overs.
Kwena Maphaka stormed in with his left-arm pace and ripped out 5-38, which included four wickets with inswinging yorkers and one with a brutal bouncer, while Riley Norton took 3-66 as they managed to beat the Windies by 31 runs. Jewel Andrew’s brilliant 130 off 96 balls went in vain.
Ir
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