ICC U19 World Cup 2024: Eclectic mix of competitors make Group B intriguing
With South Africa being joined by 2022 finalists England, the 2016 champions West Indies, and a spirited Scotland side, Group B of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup has the potential to thrill.
South Africa
South Africa's recent performances leading up to the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 has been inconsistent, securing only three wins in nine games since 2023.
Nonetheless, the advantage of home support and familiarity with conditions could serve as decisive factors for the Proteas in their quest for the title.
Kagiso Rabada and Aiden Markram were the stars of their last and only U19 World Cup triumph in 2014.
In familiar conditions, the onus is on the hosts to repeat the feat.
Squad
Juan James, Martin Khumalo, Tristan Luus, Kwena Maphaka, Dewan Marias, Riley Norton, Nqobani Mokoena, David Teeger, Romashan Pillay, Sipho Potsane, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Richard Seletswane, Oliver Whitehead, Steve Stolk, Ntando Zuma.
Fixtures
19 January: v West Indies, Potchefstroom
23 January: v England, Potchefstroom
27 January: v Scotland, Potchefstroom
Watch out for
Kwena Maphaka
Kwena Maphaka stands out as one of the shining stars for the South Africa U19 team since the last World Cup.
In his first outing in 2023, Maphaka picked up a four-for against Bangladesh and has since gone from strength to strength.
In his last seven U19 matches, the youngster has scalped 17 wickets, including the career-best five-for in his most recent against Afghanistan.
Displaying promising potential, the 17-year-old has already embarked on his journey in domestic cricket, showcasing versatility by participating in all three formats in South Africa.
What they said
Malibongwe Maketa, South Africa head coach: “Even though we know there will be expectation because we are playing at home, we want to embrace that pressure, we want to play good cricket and reward the people that come support us.”
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