The cricketing world is gearing up for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024, and the stage is set in the picturesque landscapes of Sri Lanka. From January 13 to February 4, this cricketing extravaganza will unfold, showcasing the emerging talents of the sport.
Sixteen teams, each a budding powerhouse, are set to compete in the 15th edition of this tournament. As if in tune with the changing times, there are some exciting format tweaks in store.
Sri Lanka, hosting this prestigious event for the third time and the first since 2006, will inaugurate the competition with a clash against Zimbabwe on January 13th.
India, the reigning champions who triumphed in the 2022 edition in the West Indies, will commence their title defence the following day, squaring off against the 2020 champions, Bangladesh.
But what’s truly intriguing is the format change. The teams will be divided into four groups, each comprising four contenders. However, here’s the twist: the top three teams from each group will now advance to the Super Six stage. The group stage matches will be contested from January 13th to 21st.
Even the fourth-placed teams in each group won’t leave empty-handed; they’ll engage in another match against another fourth-placed team, offering them a chance for redemption before bowing out.
Following the gripping group stage battles, 12 teams will surge ahead to the Super Six phase. Picture this: two groups, each housing six formidable teams. The top three teams from Groups A and D will unite to form one group, while the top three from Groups B and C will comprise the other.
In the Super Six stage, every team will face off twice, igniting a fierce rivalry. Their opponents from the other group will be determined by their standings in the initial group stage. For example, the leader of Group A (A1) will lock horns with the second and third-place teams from Group D (D2 and D3). A2 will take on D1 and D3, and so the battle unfolds.
As the cricket world eagerly awaits, Sri Lanka prepares to host this thrilling spectacle, offering cricket enthusiasts a glimpse of the stars of tomorrow.
