Faf du Plessis has been named captain of Namibia’s under-19 cricket team for the World Cup Qualifiers. He aims to lead his team through fierce competition on their path to the 2026 U-19 World Cup. Matches will be contested in Lagos, where the stakes are high, especially for Namibia as a co-host. Australia will return as defending champions in this esteemed tournament.
Faf du Plessis, a rising star in Namibian cricket, has been appointed the captain of the national under-19 team as they prepare for the World Cup Qualifiers. At just 17 years of age, he shares a name with the famous South African cricketer and has already demonstrated his skills as a right-handed batsman and promising leg-spinner.
Having earned three caps for Namibia’s U-19 team, Faf du Plessis is set to lead his squad against formidable opponents including Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Qualifiers will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, with Namibia’s first match scheduled against Nigeria on 28 March.
The matches will be held at the University of Lagos Cricket Oval, with Namibia’s second fixture against Sierra Leone following their opener. This tournament is crucial as the winning team will represent Africa in the upcoming 2026 U-19 World Cup. Namibia carries added pressure being a co-host for the World Cup along with Zimbabwe.
Unlike Namibia, Zimbabwe has already secured its position in the 2026 U-19 World Cup due to its status as a host nation. This edition of the tournament marks the 16th occurrence, continuing a rich tradition in youth cricket.
Australia, the defending champions, will enter the 2026 event following their victory in the 2024 final against India in South Africa. Their championship run included a thrilling semi-final against Pakistan, which they won by a narrow margin of just one wicket. India, having defeated South Africa in their semi-final, faced challenges in the final, managing only 174 runs in response to Australia’s 253-7, highlighted by Harjas Singh’s noteworthy innings of 55 runs.
Faf du Plessis’ appointment as captain of the Namibian under-19 cricket team underscores his growing reputation in the sport. As the team prepares for the World Cup Qualifiers in Lagos, the stakes are high, with the opportunity to represent Africa in the 2026 U-19 World Cup. Notably, Australia enters the tournament as defending champions, while Zimbabwe will participate as co-hosts. Namibia’s performance will be closely watched as they seek to make their mark in youth cricket.
Original Source: odishatv.in
