The Group D contest at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley was the curtain-raiser for 48 matches across the 24-day tournament, with opening games in the three other groups scheduled for tomorrow.

South Africa, who finished fifth at the last Under-19 World Cup in 2018, one place behind Afghanistan, were all out for 129 after 29.1 overs.

Afghanistan reached 130 for the loss of three wickets after just 25 overs.

Bryce Parsons top-scored for the hosts with 40, as Afghanistan's Shafiqullah Ghafari delivered bowling figures of six for 15 in 9.1 overs.

Imran Mir led the run-chase for Afghanistan with 57, with Achille Cloete finishing as the most effective of the home bowlers with two for 20.

It was an encouraging start for Afghanistan after the frustration they suffered two years ago, when their bronze-medal match against Pakistan could not be played because of a wet outfield and the latter team were declared winners having finished ahead in their qualifying group on net run rate.

The two sides who played today are joined in Group D by Canada and the United Arab Emirates, who meet tomorrow.

Bangladesh, Pakistan, Scotland and Zimbabwe make up Group C.

Three-time winners Australia are in Group B with the West Indies, England and debutants Nigeria.

Japan are also set to make their World Cup debut.

They face a tough challenge, however, drawn in Group A alongside defending champions and four-time winners India, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

The group stage runs until January 25, followed by the knockout stages and playoff matches, with the final set for February 9 at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom.

To ensure that all teams play as many games as possible, the bottom two teams from each group will be drafted into the "Plate League"

This will entail a simultaneous knockout tournament running parallel to the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final, determining which teams finish ninth to 16th.

Matches are also scheduled to take place at Willowmoore Park in Benoni and Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.