Cricket lovers can prepare for an international cricket explosion in Potch this coming 17 January – 9 February as the ICC u.19 Cricket World Cup heads to the sporting hub of North West.
Potchefstroom is well known for its fantastic facilities and world class stadiums. It’s proximity to other major cities, altitude level and logistical ease of access has cemented it’s place as one of the top sporting towns in SA.
A total of 27 matches will be played In Potch, including two quarter-finals, both semi-finals and the final. In other words the bulk of the tournament will be held in Potch, which is a massive accomplishment and privilege for North West Cricket.
The JB Marks Oval (Senwes Park), NWU Oval, Ibbies Oval an Witrand Oval will be used for various matches. The semi-finals (4 and 6 February) and final (9 February) will be played at the JB Marks Oval (named such due to sponsorship reasons). All matches will be played at 10:00.
This is without doubt one of the biggest international tournaments to headline in Potch, after the city also hosted a couple of 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup matches.
The fantastic aspect of this tournament is that it can be seen as the breeding ground for future international cricketing superstars. Previously, international stars, such as Kagiso Rabada, Steve Smith, Jos Buttler, Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli amongst many others has played in an u.19 Cricket World Cup.
Expect high quality cricket from all 16 teams participating in this massive tournament. Teams will be divided into 4 groups with the top two sides heading into the Super League quarter finals. The other teams will battle it out for positional finishes in plate matches.
SA also had the luck of the draw as hosts and will play rising power, Afghanistan and minnows, UAE and Canada. Group A (India, NZ, Sri Lanka and Japan) and Group B (Australia, England, West Indies and Nigeria) seem to be the two toughest groups. Group C will feature Pakistan, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and Scotland
India, as defending champions, will be one of the favourites again, but Australia, England, Pakistan and hosts, South Africa, will also look to wrestle the trophy away from the Indians.
All in all, this will be a tournament to savour and cricket lovers will be licking their lips to see who will take the torch to lead the next generation of cricketing stars.
