India begin U-19 World Cup defence against Afghanistan

	Defending champions India will open their campaign against qualifier Afghanistan © Getty Images
Related Links Series/Tournaments: ICC Under-19 World Cup Teams: Afghanistan | Australia | Bangladesh | Canada | England | Hong Kong | India | Ireland | New Zealand | Pakistan | Papua New Guinea | South Africa | Sri Lanka | United States of America | West Indies | Zimbabwe

Defending champions India will open their campaign against Afghanistan at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval near Christchurch on the opening day of the Under-19 World Cup. The tournament, which will be played in New Zealand from January 15-30, will also have Pakistan face West Indies in Palmerston North, and South Africa, the 2008 runners-up, taking on Ireland in Queenstown on the same day.

The 16 teams for the competition have been split into four groups; Groups A and C will be based in and around Christchurch, Group B in Queenstown and Group D in Napier and Palmerston North.

In addition to the 10 Full Members, six Associate and Affiliate teams are taking part having won through their respective regional qualifying tournaments as well as the global qualifiers held in Canada in September.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals with the remaining teams taking part in the plate competition.

Groupings:

A: India, England, Afghanistan, Hong Kong

B: South Africa, Australia, Ireland, USA

C: New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Canada

D: Pakistan, Bangladesh, West Indies, Papua New Guinea