Benoni: As the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup set for the grand finale on Sunday awaiting a high-decibel clash between India and Australia, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has released a list of spectacular performers of this edition. The biennial event witnessed some stellar performances, and the race for the prestigious Player of the Tournament title has narrowed down to eight exceptional young cricketers. Here is a closer look at the standout performers who made it to the shortlist:
1. Kwena Maphaka (South Africa) – 21 wickets @ 9.71: South Africa’s record-breaking pacer has been a force to be reckoned with, falling just one wicket short of the tournament record. Maphaka, at the age of 17, secured a unique feat by becoming the first player to claim three five-wicket hauls in a single edition of the U19 World Cup.
2. Ubaid Shah (Pakistan) – 18 wickets @ 12.38: Pakistan’s pace spearhead, Ubaid Shah, demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the tournament. His five-wicket haul against Bangladesh played a crucial role in propelling Pakistan into the semi-finals. With super pace and a knack for generating movement, Shah has been a constant threat to opposition batters.
3. Saumy Pandey (India) – 17 wickets @ 8.47: Left-arm spinner Saumy Pandey has been a key figure in India’s unbeaten run. His ability to control the scoring rate has been outstanding, reflected in the best economy rate (2.44) among bowlers with more than five wickets. Pandey boasts three four-wicket hauls, showcasing his impact.
4. Musheer Khan (India) – 338 runs @ 67.60: The right-hander emerged as the only player to score two centuries in the tournament. Musheer Khan, displaying all-round prowess with his left-arm spin, has been instrumental in India’s journey to the knockout stages.
5. Jewel Andrew (West Indies) – 207 runs @ 69: West Indies’ wicket-keeper batter, Jewel Andrew, made a stunning impact with a superb 130 in the opening fixture against hosts South Africa. His contributions with the bat, including an unbeaten 64 in a successful run chase against Scotland, highlight his versatility.
6. Hugh Weibgen (Australia) – 256 runs @ 51.2: Australia’s captain, Hugh Weibgen, showcased imperious form, with a crucial 120 in a Super Six clash against England. His ability to adapt to different conditions and power his team to match-winning scores has been a testament to his batting prowess.
7. Uday Saharan (India) – 389 runs @ 64.83: India’s captain, Uday Saharan, demonstrated consistent improvement as the tournament progressed. His match-winning 81 in the semi-final against South Africa proved pivotal, showcasing his adaptability in varying conditions.
8. Steve Stolk (South Africa) – 228 runs @ 38: South Africa’s hard-hitting Steve Stolk concluded the tournament with the best strike rate (141.61). His explosive innings against Scotland, featuring eight sixes on his way to 86 from 37 deliveries, played a vital role in South Africa’s journey to the knockout stages.
The cricketing world eagerly awaits the announcement of the U19 Cricket World Cup Player of the Tournament tomorrow after the grand finale, as these young talents have left an indelible mark on the tournament with their exceptional performances.
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