SA U19 women to face India in World Cup opener in Benoni

South Africa are in Group D ahead of the inaugural ICC U19 Women's World Cup in South Africa set from 14-29 January.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday announced the match schedule for the first-ever tournament, which be hosted in Benoni and Potchefstroom.

Two fields will be utilised for the 41-match tournament, namely Willowmoore Park (main and B field) and the JB Marks and NW University Ovals in Potchefstroom.

South Africa are in Group D and will face up against India, Scotland and United Arab Emirates.

The hosts will open the U19 Women's World Cup against India on Saturday, 14 January at Willowmoore Park, Benoni.

SA U19 women's head coach Dinesha Devnarain shared the journey that the team has taken with the young women building towards the first-ever ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup.

"We have been working hard with the girls on how we want play and the processes needed to take our game to the next level," said Devanarain.

"The CSA development structures have allowed us to build our own brand of play that we are confident in. We have hosted multiple camps, and we are working closely with the provincial coaches to ensure that our girls are ready for the big stage.

"There are no small or big teams in this tournament and that will be our approach for every game. We are hoping the South African public will back us in every way and show up for every game to cheer for the next generation of Proteas Women."

There will be 16 warm-up matches taking place between 9 and 11 January in the cities of Johannesburg and Tshwane.

"CSA is thrilled to be hosting two very exciting ICC women's events in the coming months, but for us as an organisation, the inaugural ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup holds a special place in our hearts,"