xBenoni (S Africa), January 13

Young feminine cricket gamers will lastly get an opportunity to shine on the worldwide stage when the inaugural U-19 Women’s World Cup begins right here tomorrow.

Though the ladies’s sport has grown over the previous 5 years, there’s nonetheless a urgent have to unearth extra expertise to popularise it additional. The distinction between the lads’s and girls’s video games is huge: the International Cricket Council (ICC) has hosted 14 males’s World Cups since 1988.

The Covid-delayed 16-team occasion, initially scheduled to be held in 2021, will see a complete of 41 video games performed throughout 4 venues in Benoni and Potchefstroom. A complete of 11 full members – Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe – routinely certified for the match. They have been joined by a workforce every from ICC’s 5 areas – the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates, Rwanda, Scotland and Indonesia.

India are clubbed alongside hosts South Africa, Scotland and UAE in Group C. The Shafali Verma-led aspect opens its marketing campaign in opposition to South Africa tomorrow. Richa Ghosh is one other skilled participant within the India squad.

The workforce has a great stability of few skilled gamers and younger proficient prospects each within the batting in addition to bowling division. —Sachin Tendulkar

Ahead of the opening day of cricket, the 16 captains assembled for a historic picture at Nelson Mandela Square in Johannesburg.

“Today’s captains’ photo was definitely one of my standout moments of the build-up so far. It was such a festive atmosphere. We’re excited for our first match on Saturday,” Verma mentioned. — PTI