The 2024 ACC Under-19 Asia Cup, organized by the Asian Cricket Council, will be the 11th edition of this youth tournament. Set to take place in the United Arab Emirates from November 29 to December 8, 2024, the tournament will bring together eight teams from across Asia, featuring a mix of established cricketing nations and emerging teams.
Defending champions Bangladesh, who claimed their first title in 2023 with a dominant win over the UAE, will seek to retain the trophy against a strong field. The tournament will serve as a platform for promising young cricketers, with some destined to represent their countries at the senior level.
Format and Structure of the Tournament
The tournament follows a limited-overs cricket format, featuring a group stage and a knockout round. The eight teams are divided into two groups of four, with each team playing against the others in their group. The top two teams from each group will then advance to the semi-finals, leading to the final on December 8 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Tournament Schedule
• Start Date: November 29, 2024
• End Date: December 8, 2024
• Locations: Dubai and Sharjah, UAE
Teams and Qualifications
The ACC Under-19 Asia Cup includes eight teams:
Five full members of the Asian Cricket Council, each with automatic qualification:
• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• India
• Pakistan
• Sri Lanka
Three additional teams qualified through the 2023 ACC Men’s Under-19 Premier Cup:
• Japan
• Nepal
• United Arab Emirates
Each team has selected promising young players, showcasing emerging talents in Asian cricket.
Group Stage Overview
The group stage will consist of two groups, Group A and Group B, each with four teams. All group stage matches are set to be played in Gulf Standard Time (UTC+03:00).
Group A Teams and Fixtures
Teams:
• India
• Japan
• Pakistan
• United Arab Emirates
Fixtures:
• November 30, 2024: India vs. Pakistan, Dubai International Cricket Stadium
• November 30, 2024: Japan vs. United Arab Emirates, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
• December 2, 2024: Pakistan vs. United Arab Emirates, Dubai International Cricket Stadium
• December 2, 2024: India vs. Japan, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
• December 4, 2024: Japan vs. Pakistan, Dubai International Cricket Stadium
• December 4, 2024: India vs. United Arab Emirates, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Group B Teams and Fixtures
Teams:
• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Nepal
• Sri Lanka
Fixtures:
• November 29, 2024: Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh, Dubai International Cricket Stadium
• November 29, 2024: Nepal vs. Sri Lanka, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
• December 1, 2024: Bangladesh vs. Nepal, Dubai International Cricket Stadium
• December 1, 2024: Afghanistan vs. Sri Lanka, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
• December 3, 2024: Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka, Dubai International Cricket Stadium
• December 3, 2024: Afghanistan vs. Nepal, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Knockout Stage: Road to the Finals
The knockout stage will commence with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals, scheduled for December 6, 2024. The final match is slated for December 8, 2024, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Semi-Final Matchups:
• Semi-final 1: Winner of Group A vs. Runner-up of Group B
• Semi-final 2: Winner of Group B vs. Runner-up of Group A
The winners of these two semi-finals will meet in the championship final.
Squads for 2024 ACC Under-19 Asia Cup
Afghanistan
Mehboob Taskin (Captain, Wicketkeeper), Hamza Alikhil (Wicketkeeper), Uzair Khan, Faisal Khan, Barakatullah Ibrahimzai, Ezatullah Barikzai, Aziz Miakhil, Nazeef Amiri, Abdul Aziz, Nasratullah Nooristani, Khatir Stanikzai, Fahim Khewawal, Hafeez Zadran, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, Naseer Khan Maroofkhil
Bangladesh
Yet to Announce
India
Yet to Announce
Japan
Yet to Announce
Nepal
Hemant Dhami (Captain), Arjun Kumal, Dilshad Ali, Naren Bhatta, Roshan Biswakarma, Yubaraj Khatri, Ranjit Kumar, Uttam Magar, Bipin Mahato, Dayanand Mandal, Aprajit Poudel, Naren Saud, Unish Thakuri, Abhisekh Tiwari, Aakash Tripathi
Pakistan
Saad Baig (Captain, Wicketkeeper), Mohammad Ahmed, Haroon Arshad, Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Huzefa, Naveed Ahmed Khan, Hassan Khan, Shahzaib Khan, Usman Khan, Faham-ul-Haq, Ali Raza, Mohammad Riazullah, Abdul Subhan, Farhan Yousuf, Umar Zaib
Sri Lanka
Yet to Announce
United Arab Emirates
Yet to Announce
Tournament Favorites and Predictions
The ACC Under-19 Asia Cup typically sees fierce competition among the full-member nations, with India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh often considered favorites. Bangladesh, the reigning champions, will face stiff competition, particularly from India, who boast a historically strong youth team, and Pakistan, known for producing raw talent and skillful young cricketers. Afghanistan and Sri Lanka also bring strong squads, each with several key players capable of influencing match outcomes.
For teams like Nepal, Japan, and the UAE, the tournament is a significant opportunity to gain experience on a larger stage and demonstrate the growth of cricket in their respective countries.
Key Venues: Dubai and Sharjah Cricket Stadiums
The matches will be played at two iconic cricket venues in the UAE:
1. Dubai International Cricket Stadium – Known for hosting high-profile international matches, this stadium offers a balanced pitch with something for both batsmen and bowlers.
2. Sharjah Cricket Stadium – With a rich history in hosting ODIs and T20 matches, Sharjah Stadium will provide a competitive atmosphere, adding to the intensity of the games.
These venues are equipped to provide high-quality facilities, promising a memorable experience for players and spectators alike.
Significance of the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup
The ACC Under-19 Asia Cup serves multiple purposes beyond merely identifying champions. It provides young players a platform to showcase their skills on an international level and gain experience in competitive, high-pressure situations. Success in this tournament can open doors for players, potentially leading to senior national team selections and careers in professional cricket leagues.
For countries like Japan, Nepal, and the UAE, the tournament’s exposure is invaluable for the development of cricket domestically, encouraging more youth participation and investment in the sport.
