KUCHING, Malaysia is set to host the second edition of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Under-19 women's T20 World Cup from Jan 18 to Feb 2, next year. The ICC in a statement said, Malaysia will be the sole host following Thailand's withdrawal as co-host. A total of 41 matches comprising 16 teams will be held in four venues in Selangor, Johor and Sarawak. Bayuemas Oval in Klang, Selangor is set to host Group A matches involving defending champion India, West Indies, Sri Lanka and debutant Malaysia, as well as the final on Feb 2. Group B matches featuring England, Pakistan, Ireland and the USA is scheduled at the Dato' Dr. Harjit Singh Johor Cricket Academy (JCA Oval), while the Borneo Cricket Ground here will be staging Group C matches involving New Zealand, South Africa, Africa's Qualifier and Samoa, who will be playing their first ever ICC world cup. The University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) YSD Oval in Bangi, Selangor will be hosting Australia, Bangladesh, Asia's Qualifier and Scotland. Host Tournament Director Dinesh Muthuraman said, Malaysia is proud to host the tournament, continuing its tradition of supporting the growth of cricket on the global stage. 'In 2008, we had the honour of hosting the U-19 men's World Cup, where current stars like Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and Trent Boult among many others, showcased their talent. Now, it is the turn of women's cricket, and we are confident that this U-19 Women's T20 World Cup will be a launching pad for the next generation of cricketing legends. 'Women's cricket is experiencing unprecedented growth both in Malaysia and around the world. We are fully confident that this World Cup will further accelerate that momentum, leading to significant developments in the sport, especially for women's cricket,' he said. India crowned as first champion after beating England by seven wickets during the inaugural edition in South Africa, last year. Source: BERNAMA News Agency