They will face Ecuador and Nigeria in their group, both of whom will be competing in the competition for the first time, as well as Great Britain and China.

The inclusion of the two new nations represents another boost for the sport’s bid to be part of the Olympic programme at Tokyo 2020, and WBSC secretary general Beng Choo Low claims the women’s event will help with their cause of returning to the world’s biggest stage for the first time since Beijing 2008.

“The Under-19 Junior Women's Softball World Championship will be a great platform to showcase our sport's universality, youth appeal and commitment to gender equality, particularly during this time when a potential return of baseball/softball to the Olympics in Tokyo in 2020 is under review,” she said.

The event, which will take place in the recently-renovated ASA Hall of Fame Complex in Oklahoma City, will see the top 18 women’s softball teams battle it out for the title from August 9 to 15.

The host nation, silver medallists at the 2013 World Championship following a 4-0 reverse at the hands of Japan in the final, have been pitted against Italy, Mexico, Brazil and Colombia in Group B.

The 2013 bronze medallists Australia meanwhile will face Argentina, the Czech Republic and Puerto Rico in Group C.

The top two from each group will progress to the Championship round robin stage where teams will be split into two pools, and the remaining teams will be consigned to the placement round robin.

A total of 85 matches will be played across seven days of competition, with an action-packed first day which will see all 18 nations compete.

“The WBSC Junior Women's Softball World Championship in Oklahoma City will be the centre of the softball universe, providing an important global platform for the top young women's softball players from all corners of the world,” WBSC softball division President Dale McMann said.

“Softball continues to be a sport that connects with women and young people, as highlighted by the one of the most diverse groups of nations that will be uniting this summer at the Junior Women's World Championship."

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