Cricket: Under-19 World Cup begins at Whangarei's Cobham Oval

Ireland's Mark Donegan takes on Sri Lanka at Whangarei's Cobham Oval in the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup. Photo / Getty Images

The next big stars of the cricketing world have taken to Whangarei's Cobham Oval at the ICC Under 19 World Cup.

Group D sides Pakistan, Afghanistan, Ireland and Sri Lanka are playing in six games across eight days at the ground.

Ireland feature a Northland link with wicketkeeper batsman Mark Donegan currently plying his trade for Kamo in premier club cricket competitions.

In his first innings of the tournament Donegan struck a patient 36 off 53 deliveries, hitting three boundaries in the 83-minute stay that helped his side to 207 for 8.

However, Dhananjaya Laksham hit an unbeaten 101 and Kamindu 74no as Sri Lanka cruised to a seven-wicket victory.

Despite the loss, Ireland coach Ryan Eagleson said he liked the mix of the Irish side.

"I think we have a good all-round side, we bat all the way down which is a strength, we've got a good mixture of spin and pace bowling which will allow us to adapt to the conditions up in Whangarei, but I think we're a good all-round outfit."

Meanwhile Afghanistan, despite missing star leg-spinner Rashid Khan, picked up a strong win over Pakistan.

Captain Naveen-ul-Haq struck with the new ball to reduce Pakistan to 23 for two after the two-time champions elected to bat in the Group D match. An 88-run third-wicket partnership between opener Rohail Nazir (81 off 105 balls) and Ali Zaryab (30 off 58 balls) steadied the ship but the 2004 and 2006 champions could not consolidate on the stand.

Medium-pace bowler Azmatulllah Omarzai and spinner Qais Ahmad grabbed three wickets each as Afghanistan showed they are capable of upsetting leading sides and are the team to watch from Group D, which also has Sri Lanka and Ireland.

Pakistan captain Hassan Khan praised the Afghanistan team, who have now beaten them three consecutive times after having also got the better of them twice in the Asia Cup in November, including in the final.

"They bowled and batted really well. They outclassed us in every department, especially in the first innings. The pitch was pretty good to bat on but the way they bowled was tough for us," Hassan said.

Naveen-ul-Haq did not lend much importance to his side's latest win over Pakistan.

"We have prepared well. We aren't thinking of anything like we have beaten them thrice. It was just another game of cricket. We restricted them to under 200, so it was a good total for us to chase down."

The four sides were welcomed to Whangarei on Friday at a powhiri.