While the eyes of most at the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2016 are now focussed on Mirpur and Fatullah, there is a phase of the tournament being played out in Cox’s Bazar – the Plate Championship. It comprises those vanquished and defeated in the group phase of the tournament, a list headed by South Africa Under-19, the defending champion.
It must be hard to stomach for South Africa. It headed into the World Cup with none of the members of the squad that won the title in Dubai in 2014. Despite that, its performances, and the contrast in expectation and achievement, will rankle. From being highly touted to retain the trophy to contesting for the ninth position – the highest position it can now play for – the fall has been depressing. The first step in its attempt to finish ninth will be against Ireland Under-19 on Thursday (February 4), at Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium.
