An examination of Pakistan's past performances at the ICC U19 World Cup, as the team captained, Saad Baig kicks off their campaign tomorrow

 Lahore, January 19, 2024: The 15th edition of the ICC U-19 Men's Cricket World Cup in South Africa begins today. Under the leadership of Saad Baig, Pakistan U-19 has been placed in Group D along with Afghanistan, Nepal and New Zealand. 

Pakistan will begin their campaign against Afghanistan U-19 in East London on January 20, followed by matches against Nepal U-19 and New Zealand U-19 at the same venue on January 24 and 27 respectively. After the group stage, the top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage. 

Pakistan U19 team boasts of a good round squad with some talented batsmen and bowlers. Pakistan's pace arsenal includes fast bowler Obaid Shah, brother of Test fast bowler Naseem Shah, while Mohammad Zeeshan is expected to be a trump card in South African conditions. Left-arm fast bowler Amir Hasan is also considered a formidable bowler with the new ball. 

In the spin bowling department, Pakistan U-19 will get the services of Arafat Minhas, Ali Asfand and Naveed Ahmed Khan. 

Pakistan U-19 played two warm-up games in the lead up to their opening game. The game against South Africa U-19 was called off after Pakistan set a target of 212 runs in 41 overs, while Pakistan lost by nine runs to England U-19 under the DLS system.