India to Clash with Pakistan in U-19 Asia Cup Opener

India to Face Pakistan in Opening Match of 2024 U-19 Asia Cup

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has unveiled the schedule for the 2024 Men's 50-over U-19 Asia Cup, set to take place from November 29 to December 8 in Dubai and Sharjah. India will kick off their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on November 30 at the Dubai International Stadium.

India has been placed in Group A alongside Japan and hosts UAE. They will face Japan on December 2 and UAE on December 4, both matches to be played in Sharjah. The top two teams from both Group A and B will advance to the semi-finals on December 6 in Dubai and Sharjah, with the final scheduled for December 8 in Dubai.

Group B features defending champions Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Nepal. The tournament will commence on November 29 with a match between Bangladesh and Afghanistan, followed by Sri Lanka and Nepal facing off on the same day.

This edition marks the 11th Men's U-19 Asia Cup, which was first held in Bangladesh in 1989. Japan, Nepal, and UAE earned their spots in the tournament after qualifying through the 2023 ACC Men's Under-19 Premier Cup.

Bangladesh are the reigning champions, having defeated UAE by 195 runs in the 2023 final. India holds the record for most titles with eight, while Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh have each won once. The last three editions of the tournament were held in the UAE, with India winning their most recent title there in 2021.

The U-19 Asia Cup provides a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent and gain valuable experience at the international level. It has been a stepping stone for many future stars, including Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, and Rashid Khan.

Tags: #U19AsiaCup, #India, #Pakistan, #Cricket, #ACC