Get ready, cricket fans! The highly anticipated Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup is back, with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) officially announcing the tournament schedule. This thrilling competition will take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with matches hosted in Sharjah and Dubai, starting from November 29.
IND vs PAK Showdown on November 30
The tournament kicks off with a match between defending champions Bangladesh and Afghanistan. But the real excitement awaits on November 30, when India faces their arch-rivals, Pakistan, in Dubai. Despite the recent political tensions around the ICC Champions Trophy, this classic rivalry is set to electrify the U19 Asia Cup stage. In their last Emerging Asia Cup encounter, India, led by Tilak Varma, triumphed over Pakistan, adding extra anticipation for this showdown.
Tournament Structure and Teams
Eight teams are competing this year: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Japan, and the UAE. These teams are divided into two groups, with the top two from each advancing to the semi-finals. India’s group includes Pakistan, UAE, and Japan, while Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka make up Group B.
History of the U19 Asia Cup
This year marks the 11th edition of the U19 Asia Cup, a tournament known for spotlighting young cricketing talent. India has historically dominated the tournament, winning eight of the ten previous titles. However, in the last edition, India was upset by Bangladesh, who went on to claim the championship.
The generation next, is ready to battle it out at the #MensU19AsiaCup2024 starting November 29 🗓️. The action-packed tournament will be contested across Dubai and Sharjah with the finals being contested on December 8.🏆#ACC pic.twitter.com/lkaoPWSNFR
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) November 8, 2024
Key Dates and Matches
The final showdown is scheduled for December 8 in Dubai, but here’s a look at some of the group stage highlights:
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh vs Afghanistan | Nov 29 | Dubai |
| Sri Lanka vs Nepal | Nov 29 | Sharjah |
| India vs Pakistan | Nov 30 | Dubai |
| UAE vs Japan | Nov 30 | Sharjah |
| India vs Japan | Dec 2 | Sharjah |
| Semi-Final 1 | Dec 6 | Dubai |
| Semi-Final 2 | Dec 6 | Sharjah |
| Final | Dec 8 | Dubai |
With a mix of established teams and emerging cricket nations, the U19 Asia Cup promises to bring thrilling matches and showcase the stars of tomorrow.
