Liam Roche

A quarter-final berth already secured, India will be aiming to keep their unbeaten run intact when they take on another weak opponent in Zimbabwe in the ICC Under-19 World Cup on Friday.

After dismissing Zimbabwe for 154, with left-arm spinner Anukul Roy picking up 4/20, openers Shubman Gill and Harvik Desai chased down the target in 21.4 overs and ensured India went to quarterfinal undefeated.

Three-time champions India and Australia compete in same group with Zimbabwe and Papua New Guinea, the other two teams in the group, could give the former champions a run for their money.

Defending champion West Indies will open its campaign against host New Zealand in ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup starting 13th January. The West Indies will play the inaugural Group A day-night fixture at Bay Oval in Tauranga on the opening day of the event which runs from 13 January - 3 February featuring 16 teams across seven venues in four cities - Christchurch, Queenstown, Tauranga and Whangarei.

From Kohli to Smith, most modern-day greats have learnt the ropes in the Under-19 World Cup, which has gained significance with every passing edition. The boys not only become men here, they also become household names with millions following the live broadcast of the competition.