Canada in tough at U19 Cricket World Cup, faces Pakistan after loss to Sri Lanka

SYLHET, Bangladesh – Thumped by Sri Lanka in its tournament opener, Canada faces another tough opponent Saturday at the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup.

The young Canadians face Pakistan, which dispatched Afghanistan by six wickets in its tournament opener Thursday. Pakistan is the only country to win back-to-back U19 titles, in 2004 and 2006.

Canada lost by 196 runs to Sri Lanka on Thursday. Arslan Khan, 16, led the batting attack at 42 not out as Canada struggled to an innings of 119 in response to Sri Lanka’s 315.

Canada is Group B with Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.

The top two teams in each group progress to the Super League stage, while the bottom two sides move on to the consolation Plate Championship.

A Pakistan win Saturday should guarantee it qualification for the next round.

The 19-day tournament features nine Test-playing countries and seven associate and affiliate members: Canada, Afghanistan, Fiji, Namibia, Nepal, Ireland and Scotland.

The Canadians qualified for the event by going undefeated in four matches at an Americas tournament that included the U.S. and Bermuda.

Canada was 15th at the 2014 U19 tournament, with captain Abraash Khan of Mississauga, Ont., the lone holdover