ABU DHABI: Under-19 Cricket World Cup has begun in the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium here in Abu Dhabi on Friday, ARY News reports.
Sixteen teams will battle it out in the scorching weather of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in one of the most prestigious cricket competitions.
They have been divided into four groups. Group A consists of defending champions India, Pakistan, Scotland and Papua New Guinea whereas Australia, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Namibia are placed in Group B. South Africa, West Indies, Zimbabwe and Canada make up Group C and Group D is based on New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka and the hosts UAE.
Four matches will be played in the opening day of the competition. Canada will face Zimbabwe whereas hosts UAE will go head to head against England in Abu Dhabi. New Zealand will battle against Sri Lanka at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium and South Africa will play against West Indies in Dubai.
Pakistan will start their Under-19 Cricket World Cup campaign as they face arch rivals India in Dubai on Saturday.