PNG and Uganda complete line-up for ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup 2004

Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Uganda will fill the final two places at the ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup after contesting the final of the ICC Africa/East Asia-Pacific U/19 World Cup qualifier in Windhoek, Namibia yesterday.

The two sides will join the ICC's 10 Full Member countries, Canada, Ireland, Nepal and Scotland at the U/19 CWC in Bangladesh from 15 February to 5 March next year.

With the top two teams in the eight team Africa/East Asia-Pacific tournament guaranteed a place at the U/19 CWC, the semi-finals were as important as the final. PNG claimed their place in Bangladesh by beating Kenya in the first semi-final while Uganda defeated hosts Namibia.

PNG went on to win the final by 53 runs, ensuring a slightly better draw in the U/19 CWC. They will face West Indies, Pakistan and Ireland (European U/19 winners) in Pool D while Uganda will be in Pool B with South Africa, England and Nepal (Youth Asia cup winner).

Holders Australia, who beat South Africa by seven wickets in the 2002 final in New Zealand, are in Pool A with Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Canada (winner of the Americas qualifier). Hosts Bangladesh have been grouped with India, New Zealand and Scotland (European runners-up) in Pool C.

Preparations for the U/19 CWC are already underway in Bangladesh and the official launch of the tournament will take place in the capital Dhaka on 11 November 2003. This date falls between the full national team's second and third One Day Internationals against England.

Pool A

Australia

Sri Lanka

Zimbabwe

Canada

Pool B

South Africa

England

Nepal

Papua New Guinea

Pool C

India

New Zealand

Bangladesh

Scotland

Pool D

West Indies

Pakistan

Ireland

Uganda

Media contacts:

In Namibia:

Tim Anderson - ICC Regional Development Officer, East Asia-Pacific

Mob: 00 61 407 841 85

Hoosain Ayob - ICC Regional Development Manager, Africa

Mob: 00 27 83 212 7218

In London:

Jon Long

Project Officer - Corporate Affairs

Mob: +44 (0) 7946 545 090

Tel: +44 (0) 207 266 7912

Email: jon.long@icc-cricket.com