ICC U19 World Cup 2024: Group B is intriguing because to its eclectic mix of competitors. Group B of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup promises to be exciting. South Africa joined by 2022 finalists England, 2016 champions West Indies, and a feisty Scotland side.
The hosts, South Africa, will be joined by 2022 finalists England, 2016 champions West Indies. A spirited Scotland team in Group B of the ICC U19 World Cup 2024.
They begin at Potchefstroom, with South Africa facing the West Indies on the first day (19 January), followed by a game between neighbours Scotland and England the next day.
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Here’s a comprehensive look at group B, and some of the future stars to watch out for:
England
England came agonizingly close to winning the U19 World Cup title in the previous season, only to falter in the final against India. It meant that they had yet to win a second U19 World Cup since their first victory in 1998.
Ben McKinney is now responsible for propelling the squad further than their previous try and breaking the U19 World Cup drought, which has lasted nearly three decades.
England has made no compromises in their training. Flying to Australia and India in the last year to hone their talents for the next competition.
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Squad
Ben McKinney (c), Luc Benkenstein, Farhan Ahmed, Tazeem Ali, Charlie Allison, Charlie Barnard. Jack Carney, Jaydn Denly, Eddie Jack, Dominic Kelly, Sebastian Morgan, Haydon Mustard, Hamza Shaikh, Noah Thain, Theo Wylie.
Fixtures
20 January: v Scotland, Potchefstroom
23 January: v South Africa, Potchefstroom
26 January: v West Indies, Potchefstroom
Watch out for
Hamza Shaikh
England’s Hamza Shaikh has had an outstanding year in junior cricket. Hamza is the highest-scoring England player since the last U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup.
In just eight matches, the 17-year-old has scored 508 runs at an average of 63.50 and a strike rate of over 95. During that time, he has made two century, both of which came against Bangladesh during England’s Quadrangular series in India in November.
Shaikh’s experience playing List A cricket for Warwickshire adds to his worth, making him an important asset for England’s U19 World Cup preparations.
His outstanding run-scoring abilities and extensive experience at the highest level will make him an important player to watch in the competition.
What they said.
Ben McKinney, the captain of England, said: “We want to enjoy and showcase our skills and impose ourselves on each and every game, with an overall aim to go on and to win the tournament.”
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