ZIMBABWE U19 cricket team left the country this morning for the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup scheduled for West Indies.
The games spread across four countries, namely Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago, are scheduled to be played between January 14 and February 5.
Zimbabwe are in Group C together with Afghanistan, two-time winners Pakistan and Papua New Guinea at the 16-team tournament. Current holders Bangladesh are in Group A that also comprise England, Canada and the United Arab Emirates. Group B has four-time champions India, Ireland, South Africa and debutants Uganda. In contrast, three-time champions Australia, Scotland, Sri Lanka and West Indies make up the tournament’s group of death, Group D.
All-rounder Emmanuel Bawa plying his trade at Eastbourne College in the UK, will lead the team as captain in West Indies. Bawa is the only returning member from the previous World Cup squad, while Matthew Welch, who is part of the team, was a non-travelling reserve.
“I’m honestly honoured and privileged to represent my country. As a kid, I have always wanted to represent my country and knowing that in the team, you have got coach Prosper and coach Elton who have represented Zimbabwe, those are my role models till this day, so it’s quite a great honour,” said Bawa.
“I would also like to thank our big sponsor Nyaradzo for believing in us and allowing us to travel, and hopefully, we will do well.”
Former Test captains Prosper Utseya and Elton Chigumbura are head coach and assistant, respectively. Dilip Chouhan is the team manager, Moses Chitare, convenor of selectors with Anesu Mupotaringa travelling as the team physio.
The team is sponsored by Nyaradzo Group.
ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Groupings:
Group A – Bangladesh, England, Canada, United Arab Emirates
Group B – India, Ireland, South Africa, Uganda
Group C – Afghanistan, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe
Group D – Australia, Scotland, Sri Lanka, West Indies.
