ICC U19 World Cup 2024: Eclectic mix of competitors make Group B intriguing

With South Africa, the hosts, 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.

They begin in Potchefstroom with South Africa taking on West Indies on opening day (19 January) before neighbours Scotland and England clash the next day.

Also read: ICC U19 World Cup 2024: Two most recent champions the teams to watch in Group A

Here's a comprehensive look at group B, and some of the future stars to watch out for:

England

England came tantalisingly close to claiming the U19 Men’s CWC trophy in the previous edition, only to stumble in the final against India. It meant the quest for their second U19 World Cup silverware has eluded them since their maiden win back in 1998.

The responsibility now falls on Ben McKinney to propel the team further than their last attempt and shatter the U19 World Cup drought that has persisted for almost three decades. 

England has spared no effort in their preparations, travelling to Australia and India in the past year to fine-tune their skills for the upcoming tournament.

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 enjoyed a stellar year in junior cricket. Since the last U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, no England player has scored more runs than Hamza.

In just eight matches, the 17-year-old has amassed 508 runs at an average of 63.50 and a strike-rate of close to 95. He has scored two centuries during that run, both of which came against Bangladesh when England toured India for a Quadrangular series in November.

Adding to his value, Shaikh brings valuable experience from playing List A cricket for Warwickshire, presenting a significant asset for the England side heading into the upcoming U19 World Cup. 

His remarkable run-scoring ability and seasoned exposure at a high level will make him a key player to watch in the tournament.

What they said

Ben McKinney, England captain: “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.”