Kohli confident ahead of U-19 World Cup

Kuala Lumpur, Feb 13 (UNI) Stating that his team has shaped up nicely for the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup beginning here later this week, a confident India skipper Virat Kohli said New Zealand, South Africa and England will pose the toughest challenge.

''These three teams are competitive and we have to watch out for them, but our team is in good shape,'' Kohli said.

Kohli said there were ''expectations'' from the team but that has not put them under undue pressure.

India, who were the runners-up in the last edition, were placed in Group B alongside West Indies, South Africa and Papua New Guinea.

They will play their opening match against Papua New Guinea on February 17.

Other teams taking part in the tournament are defending champion Pakistan, Australia, England, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Nepal, Bermuda, Malaysia, Namibia and Ireland.

The World Cup will be played from February 17 to March 3. A total of 44 matches, including 24 in the first round, seven in the Super League and 13 in play-offs will be played at seven venues across the three cities of Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor.

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