17-yr-old Faf du Plessis appointed captain of Namibia for World Cup Qualifiers

Faf du Plessis, the cricket sensation from Namibia, has been appointed captain of the national under-19 team as they prepare for the World Cup Qualifiers. Sharing both name and cricketing expertise with the renowned South African player of Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), this 17-year-old young du Plessis is making waves with his right-handed batting skills and promising leg-spin bowling.

Faf du Plessis has earned three caps for Namibia's U-19 team, showcasing his potential at an international level. As captain, he will lead his team against rugged competitors from Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Qualifiers are set to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, and Namibia’s campaign kicks off with an opening match against Nigeria on 28 March.

High Stakes on African Soil:

Namibia's fixtures will be hosted at the University of Lagos Cricket Oval, where they will face Sierra Leone after their initial encounter with Nigeria. The tournament holds significant importance as the triumphant team will secure the coveted opportunity to represent Africa in the 2026 U-19 World Cup. The stakes are especially high for Namibia, which is also one of the co-hosts of the upcoming World Cup, alongside Zimbabwe.

Assured Spot for Hosts:

Unlike Namibia, which must qualify, Zimbabwe has already secured its place in the 2026 U-19 World Cup as a host nation. The forthcoming tournament marks its 16th edition, continuing a celebrated tradition in youth cricket.

Recap of the 2024 Tournament:

Australia entered the 2026 jamboree as the defending champions. They emerged victorious in the 2024 final held in South Africa by defeating India. Their journey included a gripping semi-final against Pakistan, clinching the match by a solitary wicket. India, who knocked out South Africa with a two-wicket margin in their semi-final, faltered in the final, managing 174 runs in reply to Australia's robust total of 253-7. Australia's victory was cemented by a crucial 64-ball 55 from Harjas Singh, while India contended valiantly through Adarsh Singh's 47-run effort.