Samuels

West Indies Under-19 assistant coach, Robert Samuels, has reacted positively to group stage draw for next year's ICC Youth World Cup in United Arab Emirates.

West Indies, who have never won the age-group tournament, have been drawn in Group C alongside South Africa, Zimbabwe and Canada.

"It sounds like a good draw," said Samuels, who is currently the deputy for longstanding coach Roddy Estwick.

"We definitely will have to play and beat the top teams if we want to win the tournament, but when you look at the group we have drawn, it is not a bad one."

The tournament, which will be held for the 10th time, will see West Indies bowling off their campaign on February 14, the opening day, against South Africa.

The Ramaal Lewis-captained unit will then play Zimbabwe on February 16, before rounding out the round against Canada two days later.

quarter-final knockout stage

The winner of the group, along with the second-place finisher will then advance to the Super League quarter-final knockout stage.

The two bottom teams from each group will qualify for the consolatory Plate Championship quarter-finals.

The winners of Super League quarter-finals will advance to the semi-finals beginning on February 22.

The winners of the final four, in the meanwhile, will then advance to the final slated for February 26 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.

"Based on the draw, South Africa will be our biggest threat," Samuels said.

"However, not because Zimbabwe, or, even Canada or not traditional powerhouses mean that we should take them lightly.

"Every team has been working to improve their cricket, and, if we don't go out there and execute well anything can happen.

"We will have to remain focus, and play to the best of our ability at all times," added the former West Indies opener.

The 16-team tournament will see India opening the defence of their title on February 15 against rival and former champions Pakistan.