COVID-19 life or bio bubble scenario has made life way more difficult for the players. The fatigue or tiredness of the bio bubble has been spoken about enough. As a result, New Zealand decides to withdraw from the U-19 cricket world cup owing to quarantine restrictions on minor.
The withdrawal of blackcaps has opened the door for Scotland. They’ve become the 16th team to qualify. Earlier, they had failed to qualify in the Europe qualifiers. The World Cup will take place in the Caribbean from January 14 to February 5. The 14th edition of the 50-over competition will feature 16 teams competing in four groups across 10 locations in Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, St Kitts, and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago.
What are the groups?
- A Group – This group includes defending champions Bangladesh, England, Canada and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
- B Group – Uganda, made its tournament debut in 2004. It is in group with India, South Africa, and Ireland.
- C Group – Papua New Guinea (PNG), Afghanistan, Pakistan and Zimbabwe make up for the third group.
- D Group – This group comprises Australia, Sri Lanka, Scotland and the hosts West Indies.
Schedule for the U-19 World Cup
On January 14, the West Indies will face Australia, and Sri Lanka will face Scotland in the first of 48 matches. Group-stage games will be played at test grounds such as Queens Park Oval and Warner Park. The main knockouts will take place in Antigua and Barbuda. However, the first semi-final will take place on February 1 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium and the second on February 2 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground. On February 5, the final will also be held at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Sixteen warm-up matches are to be played between January 9 and 12 in St Kitts and Nevis, and Guyana.
Qualification scenario
The top two teams from each group will go to the Super League knockouts. However, those who do not qualify will receive valuable playing time in the Plate competition. It will run concurrently with the main event for slots nine to sixteen. It certainly means that every side in this competition for aspiring cricketers will play the same number of games. Ten of the sixteen teams advanced directly to the international event. Scotland receives one seat after initially missing out. The remaining five spots were awarded to teams that won their regional qualifying events.
Previous winners
The West Indies won the Under-19 World Cup once. Australia three times. Pakistan twice, and England, South Africa, and Bangladesh one each. India however, has won the World Cup four times.