The countdown to the Under-19 World Cup 2024 has begun. The marquee Under-19 World Cup 2024 will get underway in South Africa from January 19 and will conclude on February 11. Sixteen teams will vie for the coveted trophy. Notably, this is the 15th edition of the Under-19 World Cup. Along with host South Africa, the tournament will feature teams from Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Nepal, New Zealand, Scotland, and the United States. The 16 teams have been divided into four groups. India, the most successful team in the history of the tournament, has been placed in Group A.
The Indian team will be seeking their sixth title. The first edition of the Under-19 World Cup was played in 1988. India's performance in the first two editions wasn't impressive, but in 2000, under the leadership of Mohammad Kaif, Team India achieved a remarkable feat. They defeated Sri Lanka to win their first Under-19 World Cup title. Since then, the Indian team has established its dominance in the tournament.
Meanwhile, right ahead of the Under-19 World Cup 2024, let's take you through the history and records of the mega tournament:
- The first edition of the Under-19 World Cup was played in 1988. Australia became the first champion team of U-19 World Cup.
2. The Indian team has won the championship the most times, with five victories. India won their first title in 2000, followed by wins in 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2022.
3. India have played in the Under-19 World Cup final the most number of times. The team has made it to the final a total of 8 times, winning the title on 5 of those occasions.
4. A total of 7 countries have been successful in winning the title so far. India won in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, 2022; Australia in 1988, 2002, 2010; Pakistan in 2004, 2006; England in 1998; South Africa in 2014; West Indies in 2016; and Bangladesh in 2020.
5. South Africa is hosting the Under-19 World Cup for the third time, having previously hosted it in 1998 and 2020. New Zealand has hosted the most, three times, in 2002, 2010, and 2018.
6. In the history of the Under-19 World Cup, the record for the most runs scored, 606, is held by Eoin Morgan, who played for Ireland.
7. The record for the most wickets taken in the Under-19 World Cup, 28, belongs to Wesley Madhevere of Zimbabwe.
8. Australia holds the record for the highest score in the Under-19 World Cup history. They scored 480 runs for 6 wickets in 50 overs against Kenya in 2002.
9. The record for the lowest score in the history of the Under-19 World Cup is held by Scotland. They were all out for 22 runs in 22.3 overs against Australia in 2004.
10. India holds the record for the most consecutive wins in the Under-19 World Cup history. They achieved 11 consecutive victories between 2018 and 2020.
11. Papua New Guinea has the record for the most consecutive losses in Under-19 World Cup history. They faced 21 consecutive defeats between 1998 and 2008.
12. The player who has played the most matches in the Under-19 World Cup is Kanishka Chaugai from Nepal. He played 20 matches from 2002 to 2006.
13. The record for the most runs in a single edition of the Under-19 World Cup, 506, is held by South Africa's Dewald Brevis. In 2022, he broke Shikhar Dhawan's record of 505 runs.
14. The record for the highest individual innings in the Under-19 World Cup belongs to Hasith from Sri Lanka. He scored 191 runs off 152 balls against Kenya in 2018.
15. The bowler with the most wickets in a single tournament is Inamul Haque, who took 22 wickets in 2004.
16. The best bowling figures in the Under-19 World Cup is held by Australia's Lloyd Pope. In 2018, he took 8 wickets for 35 runs in 9.4 overs against England.
17. The oldest player to participate in the Under-19 World Cup's history is Thomas Nelson from Denmark. When he played against Namibia in 1998, he was 23 years and 312 days old. Initially, some teams were given age exemptions in the early editions of the tournament.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
ICC U-19 World Cup: One-stop guide on Team India's full schedule and squad; check all details here
ICC U-19 World Cup 2024: Check the complete schedule as 16 countries gear up for marquee competition
U-19 World Cup 2024: 5 iconic stadiums to stage 41 thrilling matches, Team India to play majority of ties at these venues
