England U19s to face Fiji in World Cup opener
West Indies and Zimbabwe also in Group C
Monday 25 January 2016 07:13, UK
England Under-19s will begin their bid for a second World Cup title against Fiji in Chittagong, in January.
The team, currently in Colombo ahead of a Tri-Series against Sri Lanka and India, are joined in Group C by West Indies and Zimbabwe.
A total of 48 World Cup matches will be played across eight venues between January 27 and February 14, the opening game featuring defending champions South Africa and tournament hosts Bangladesh.
England finished third when the World Cup was last contested, in the United Arab Emirates in 2014, and haven't lifted the title since 1998 when Owais Shah was skipper.
Announcing the schedule, ICC General Manager - Cricket, Geoff Allardice, said: "The ICC U19 Cricket World Cup is an event which provides talented youngsters with an early taste of international cricket in a global setting. Countless players have come through this event, and emerged shortly afterwards onto the international arena.
"It is at this tournament that the players also receive important education on topics such as anti-doping and anti-corruption, which gives them a head start on the challenges that lie ahead for professional sportsmen."
The tournament consists of 16 teams - the 10 Test playing countries plus six Associate and Affiliate Member sides - Afghanistan, Canada, Fiji, Namibia, Nepal and Scotland - split into four groups.
The top two teams in each group will qualify for a Super League stage, with the remaining teams contesting the Plate Championship.
Key dates
27th January - England v Fiji, Chittagong
29th January - England v West Indies, Chittagong
31st January - England v Zimbabwe, Chittagong
12th February - Plate final
14th February - Super League final
Watch selected games from the Under 19 World Cup - including England's clash against West Indies - live on Sky Sports.
