In Group B, the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup’s most successful team, India, are drawn alongside 2020 champions Bangladesh, former finalists New Zealand and the USA.
With five titles to their name, India have been a powerhouse at this level, reaching the last five finals, most recently losing out to Australia in the final two years ago.
That came four years after they missed out on the title to Bangladesh, with the two set to face off in the young tigers’ opening match on 17 January.
Joining them are New Zealand, finalists back in 1998, and USA, appearing in back-to-back editions for the first time.
INDIA
One of the most exciting young talents in world cricket is set to take his next steps towards stardom in the shape of 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Sooryavanshi shone in India’s Youth ODI series against England U19s, with knocks of 143 from 78 balls and 86 from 31.
More recently, India reached the final of the U19 Asia Cup but were beaten by Pakistan in the final.
Wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu made an unbeaten double century against Malaysia at the U19 Asia Cup, while medium-pacer Deepesh Devendran finished as the competition’s leading wicket-taker with 15.
BANGLADESH
Bangladesh made it to the semifinal of the tournament for the first time at the 10th attempt but then followed third place in 2016 with the title four years later.
A host of players from the 2020 edition are now forming the backbone of the senior team including Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shoriful Islam and Towhid Hridoy.
This time around, they arrive after reaching the semifinal of the Asia Cup, with opener Zawad Abrar starring with the bat and left-arm spinner Shariar Ahmed the pick of their bowlers.
NEW ZEALAND
Runners-up 28 years ago, New Zealand have made it back to the semifinal stage three times since, most recently in 2020.
In that edition in South Africa, they lost out to Group B opponents Bangladesh, while another of their Group B rivals, India, accounted for them on the other two occasions.
Coached by former New Zealand batter Anton Devcich, New Zealand have named a squad with a fair amount of first-class experience under their belts.
Skipper Tom Jones scored a century on his first-class debut for Otago, while Northern Districts pair Snehith Reddy and Aryan Mann will also have a big role to play.
USA
The USA sealed their fourth appearance at an ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup by cruising through the Americas Qualifier.
They won all six matches they played by comfortable margins, with plenty of notable individual performances.
Amrinder Gill’s century inspired a victory over Bermuda while Sahir Bhatia took five for nine as Argentina were bowled out for just 34.
Tougher tests lie ahead in Zimbabwe – starting against India on the opening day – but the American squad will be relishing the challenge.
FIXTURES
15 January, USA v India, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
17 January, India v Bangladesh, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
18 January, New Zealand v USA, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
20 January, Bangladesh v New Zealand, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
23 January, Bangladesh v USA, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
24 January, India v New Zealand, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo