ICC Under19 Cricket World Cup Teams & Groups

New Zealand Team Profile

And although they managed to make it through to the Plate Final two years ago, they slumped to a disappointing one-wicket defeat to Nepal in a thrilling match.

Williamson, who was player of the tournament last year at the Gillette Cup schools competition, showed his potential when he made an excellent 47 not out off just 56 balls for Northern Districts against Bangladesh's senior team in December 2007.

But he will need support from the likes of Corey Anderson, Greg Morgan, Tim Southee, and Trent Boult who were all were selected for the New Zealand A's three week training camp in Darwin last year, if they are to perform well.

The Kiwi skipper, who believes that India and Pakistan will be the teams to beat at the event, is hopeful his side will be able to improve on their efforts at the last ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup.

Williamson said: "Our expectations are based around making the most of the talent that the team collectively possesses. If we play to our potential then a successful return to the Super League should be within the team's grasp."

Of the other key players, Canterbury's Corey Anderson, who made his first-class debut at the age of just 16, played in last season's State Championship final along with Tim Southee, and will be hoping to use that experience to have a high impact at this level.

The side will also look to all rounder Greg Morgan, who on his first-class debut for Auckland against Northern Districts made a brilliant 83* batting at number ten after coming in at 85-8, for consistency.

New Zealand's youngsters performed well against India in February 2007, drawing a two-match Test series and narrowly losing a one-day series 2-1, including a thrilling last ball one-wicket victory in the second ODI.

The side will prepare for the event in Malaysia with a training camp in Brisbane before taking on Australia U/19s in two warm-up matches, having also played against the New Zealand Cricket Players Association Masters XI just before Christmas last year as part of the money-raising efforts for the World Vision Cyclone Relief Fund.

And they will look to learn from the experience of coach Dipak Patel, who had an excellent impact on the ICC Cricket World Cup 1992 opening the bowling with his off spin.