The 17-year-old Faf du Plessis has been appointed captain of the Namibia U-19 cricket team for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers.
Faf Du Plessis to captain Namibia in U-19 World Cup qualifiers
The young gun, who shares a name with the renowned South African cricketer currently playing for Delhi Capitals in the IPL, also mirrors his namesake's skills as a right-handed batter. He is also a leg-break bowler. At the age of 17, and with three previous appearances for the Namibia U-19 team, as recorded by ESPNCricinfo, Faf Du Plessis will lead his side in the Division 1 Qualifiers. Namibia will face competition from Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Uganda, with their first match scheduled against Nigeria on March 28.
The crucial World Cup Qualifier matches are scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria. Namibia's journey begins with a clash against Nigeria, followed immediately by a match against Sierra Leone at the University of Lagos Cricket Oval. The stakes are high, as the team that emerges victorious from this round will earn the right to represent the African continent in the 2026 U-19 World Cup.
Adding an intriguing layer to the competition is the fact that the 2026 U-19 World Cup will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia. Should Namibia secure qualification by winning the Africa group, they will have the unique opportunity to compete as proud co-hosts. While Zimbabwe has received direct qualification due to their host nation status, Namibia is required to navigate the qualifying tournament. The 2026 event will mark the 16th edition of the prestigious men's U-19 World Cup.
Australia enters the 2026 tournament as the defending champions of the men's U-19 World Cup, having triumphed over India in the 2024 final held in South Africa. Their path to the final saw them narrowly defeat Pakistan by a single wicket in a tense semi-final, while India secured their place by overcoming hosts South Africa in a closely contested match, winning by two wickets.
In the final showdown, Australia, batting first, posted a competitive total of 253-7 in their allotted 50 overs. Harjas Singh played a crucial role, contributing a 64-ball 55. However, India's response fell short, as they were bowled out for just 174 runs, despite Adarsh Singh's top score of 47. Australia ultimately won the match by 79 runs.