The U19 cricket world cup is the stepping stone for young cricketers to launch onto the international cricket scene.
The U19 world cup has been the platform for many current stars such as Chris Gayle, Steve Smith, Josh Hazlewood, Tim Southee & Trent Boult to name a few.
Who’s Next From The U19 Cricket World Cup?
The 2018 U19 Cricket World Cup is currently only two matches into the tournament but there have been a number of outstanding performances.
Below is a breakdown of the top talent in the tournament and who to watch in the future.
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Jakob Bhula – New Zealand
The 18 year old opening batsman has made his mark on the tournament and without a doubt will have the senior selectors attention after opening the tournament with 83 runs against the West Indies.
In game two Bhula starred with an U19 record breaking 180 run bonanza off 144 balls against Kenya.
Jakob Bhula said he models his game off Indian superstar Virat Kholi.
Bhula is a clear superstar in the making and without a doubt we will be seeing his name in lights for the senior team in years to come.
Finn Allen – New Zealand
Allen an 18 year old wicket-keeper batsman for the New Zealand side has shown his intention to be a star.
Finn Allen started his campaign with a very professional and classy century against the West Indies.
He went onto lead his country to victory finishing 115 not out from 100 balls.
The young star looked set to continue is great form in match two against Kenya.
Allen arrived at the crease when New Zealand were 245/1 and Allen’s intent was clear from the get go.
Finn Allen recorded the equal second fastest fifty in U19 history as a result of clean, powerful hitting.
Finn brought up the milestone in 19 balls then lost his wicket for 90 runs from 40 balls.
This aggressive but classy wicket-keeper batsman looks to be one for the future.
New Zealand could have another Brendan McCullum on their hands with Finn Allen.
Harry Brook – England
Harry Brook is the captain of the 2018 England U19 world cup squad and to date his leadership and performance has been impressive.
This 18 year old Yorkshire lad is looking very sharp in his campaign for England, batting at number three and offering England a solid right arm medium bowling option.
The top order batsman struck a solid 59 not out from 48 balls and bowled figures of 2/32 from eight overs.
Harry Brook guided England to their first match victory over Namibia as a result of his all-round performance.
England’s second match against Bangladesh offered Brook an opportunity to show his class and potential at the top order.
Brook arrived at the crease in the first over and produced a classy century 102 not out from 84 balls.
With two milestone not out performances from his first two matches, Brook is someone to keep tabs on as he embarks on creating a successful career in world cricket and will undoubtedly feature in England’s senior side in the future.
Jack Edwards – Australia
Jack Edwards is one of the younger cricketers in the tournament at 17 years old but has put on a classy tournament to date.
The 17 year old set his mark on the Australia side in game one against India.
Edwards put on a strong bowling display ending with figures of 4/65 from nine overs.
Australia had their work cut out chasing India’s 328 total and consequently fell 100 runs short.
Jack opened the batting and showed a lot of class as he cruised to 73 runs from 90 balls.
Jack Edwards contributed 40 runs from 20 balls against Zimbabwe, therefore is one of the promising young stars in Australia.
Prithvi Shaw – India
Prithvi Shaw has been on the rise for some time in India, coming through Mumbai U14, U16 & U19 grades.
The Mumbai star made his mark in match one against a strong Australian side hitting 94 runs from 100 balls.
The 18 year old Indian captain guided his side to a mammoth 100 run victory over Australia.
Prithvi had a total of 64 runs to chase against PNG and finished 57 not out from 39 balls.
India’s senior side is traditionally very difficult to break into but with consistently and patience, Shaw is one for the future.
Afif Hossain – Bangladesh
Afif Hossain is a clear standout performer in the Bangladesh U19 squad.
The 18 year old allrounder has contributed with bat and ball to begin his campaign after two matches.
In match one Afif Hossain showed what he’s capable of with the bat hitting 50 runs from 59 balls.
The young star backed up his fifty with bowling figures of 5/43 in a man of the match performance.
Hossain took charge with the bat in match two while producing a respectable 63 runs off 85 deliveries.
Afif Hossain is destined for the Bangladesh senior squad in coming years if he continues to perform consistently.
Record Breaking Start to 2018
The tournament is into the first part of the schedule however a number of U19 world cup records have already been broken as the teenagers dominate around the ground.
A look at the milestones in the tournament so far in 2018.
- New Zealand raced to 434/4 against Kenya becoming the second highest total in U19 ODI history.
- Jakob Bhula recorded the highest ever U19 ODI individual score with his 180 run massacre against Kenya.
- Finn Allen smashed the second equal fastest U19 fifty from just 19 balls.
- NZ openers Rachin Ravindra and Jakob Bhula record the highest U19 opening partnership with a 245 run stand.
- Abhishekh Chambermaid from Kenya bowled 0/82 at 11.71 as a result is the highest economy rate in U19 history.
31 games remain in the U19 cricket world cup therefore the race for a new world champion continues.
West Indies were 2016 champions however with back to back losses are as a result out of the race for the cup.
Who can win the 2018 U19 World Cup?
The clear standout squads with a chance for the cup as a result of good form are India, England, South Africa & New Zealand.
Group A is the interesting group as New Zealand and South Africa will battle for pole position.
Current Standings
Group A
| Pos | Team | Matches | Net RR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | +3.226 | 4 | |
| 2 | 2 | +2.450 | 4 | |
| 3 | 2 | -1.375 | 0 | |
| 4 | 2 | -4.120 | 0 |
Group B
| Pos | Team | Matches | Net RR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | +3.890 | 4 | |
| 2 | 2 | +0.692 | 2 | |
| 3 | 2 | -2.375 | 2 | |
| 4 | 2 | -5.229 | 0 |
Group C
| Pos | Team | Matches | Net RR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | +3.278 | 4 | |
| 2 | 3 | +0.438 | 4 | |
| 3 | 2 | -0.277 | 2 | |
| 4 | 3 | -2.689 | 0 |
Group D
| Pos | Team | Matches | Net RR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | +0.574 | 4 | |
| 2 | 2 | +1.877 | 2 | |
| 3 | 2 | +0.303 | 2 | |
| 4 | 2 | -3.502 | 0 |
