Kuala Lumpur, Feb 13 A confident India U-19 skipper Virat Kohli believes New Zealand, South Africa and England will pose the toughest challenge in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup beginning here this week.

India were the runners-up in the tournament in the last edition, losing the final to Pakistan.

Kohli said the team has shaped up nicely in the run-up to the event and was prepared for the job.

"These three teams are competitive and we have to watch out for them, but our team is in good shape," Kohli, said.

The World Cup will be played from February 17 to March 3 at three venues, one outside Kuala Lumpur at Kinrara Oval and the others at Johor in southern Malaysia and Penang State.

India, placed in Group B alongside West Indies, South Africa and PNG, will face Papua New Guinea on February 17.

Sixteen teams are participating in the U-19 Cricket World Cup. Besides India, Pakistan, Australia, England, Zimbabwe, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, New Zealand, South Africa, Nepal, Bermuda, Malaysia, PNG, Namibia and Ireland are taking part in the tournament.

Kohli said there were "expectations" from the team but that has not put them under unduly pressure.

The youngest player in the Indian team is 17-year-old left arm fast bowler Pradeep Sangwan.

Australian Dav Whatmore is the coach of the team. (Agencies)