Pakistan to commence U19 World Cup campaign against Afghanistan on January 20

The 15th edition of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa has commenced today. Saad Baig led-Pakistan U19 are slotted in Group D along with Afghanistan, Nepal and New Zealand.

Pakistan will kick off their campaign against Afghanistan U19 at East London on 20 January, followed by games against Nepal U19 and New Zealand U19 on 24 and 27 January, respectively at the same venue.

After the group stage, the top three teams from each group will progress to the Super Six stage.

Pakistan squad for the U19 World Cup boasts a well-rounded squad with some talented batters and bowlers. Pakistan’s fast bowling arsenal includes tearaway pacer, Ubaid Shah, brother of Test fast bowler Naseem Shah while the towering Mohammad Zeeshan is expected to be the trump card in South African conditions.

Left-arm pacer Amir Hassan is also considered a formidable bowler with the new ball.

In the spin bowling department, Pakistan U19 will have the services of Arafat Minhas, Ali Asfand and Naveed Ahmed Khan.

Pakistan U19 played two warm-up games in the lead-up to their opening game. The game against South Africa U19 was called off after Pakistan set a target of 212 runs in a 41-over game, while Pakistan lost to England U19 by nine runs as per the DLS method.

Pakistan U19 World Cup 2024 squad: Saad Baig (captain and wicketkeeper), Ali Asfand (vice-captain), Ali Raza, Ahmad Hassan, Amir Hassan, Arfat Minhas, Azan Awais, Haroon Arshad, Khubaib Khalil, Mohammad Zeeshan, Naveed Ahmed Khan, Shahzaib Khan, Shamyl Hussain, Muhammad Riazullah and Ubaid Shah.