Faf du Plessis has been named captain of Namibia’s U-19 cricket team as they prepare for the World Cup Qualifiers. The tournament will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, with crucial matches against Nigeria and Sierra Leone. The top team will qualify for the 2026 U-19 World Cup, which Namibia co-hosts, while Zimbabwe has already secured a spot. Australia, entering as defending champions, aims to repeat their success from 2024.
Faf du Plessis, a rising cricket star from Namibia, has been appointed the captain of the national under-19 team in preparation for the World Cup Qualifiers. At just 17 years old, he possesses impressive right-handed batting abilities and skillful leg-spin bowling, similar to the well-known South African cricketer of the same name, currently with the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Having earned three caps for Namibia’s U-19 team, du Plessis will lead his squad against tough competitors from Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Qualifiers are scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, with Namibia beginning their campaign against Nigeria on 28 March.
The matches will occur at the University of Lagos Cricket Oval, where Namibia will subsequently face Sierra Leone after their opening clash with Nigeria. This tournament holds significant implications, as the victorious team will gain the prestigious chance to represent Africa in the upcoming 2026 U-19 World Cup. Namibia has a vested interest, given that they are co-hosts of the event alongside Zimbabwe.
In contrast to Namibia’s need to qualify, Zimbabwe has already secured a position in the 2026 U-19 World Cup as one of its host nations. This edition of the tournament is the 16th, continuing the legacy of youth cricket. Australia will enter as the defending champions, having triumphed in the 2024 final against India in South Africa, winning by a narrow margin after a thrilling semi-final against Pakistan.
During the final, Australia set a strong total of 253 for 7, while India fell short, scoring 174 runs. Harjas Singh was pivotal in Australia’s victory with a vital 55 runs from 64 balls, while Adarsh Singh led India’s efforts with 47 runs in a tough loss.
In summary, Faf du Plessis’s appointment as captain of Namibia’s U-19 team highlights his burgeoning talent in cricket. With significant challenges ahead in the World Cup Qualifiers, his leadership will be crucial as Namibia seeks to secure a place in the prestigious 2026 U-19 World Cup. This tournament is particularly important for Namibia, being co-hosts, while Australia aims to defend their title. The stakes are high for all participating teams, promising exciting competition.
Original Source: odishatv.in
