4 rising stars International cricket unearthed in 2018

The world cricket in 2018 has provided us with many heartbreaks, scandals, amazing moments, and memories worth cherishing for years.

While India struggled in overseas Test cricket, England started stamping their authority in spin-friendly conditions. While Australia plummeted to their new low in ODIs and T20Is, Pakistan rose to no.1 in the T20I ranking with their breath-taking performances. While Sri Lanka, West Indies became anonymous in the world of cricket, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have become world-beaters.

The ICC cricket world cup is happening in England during next English summer. Hence, the year 2018 is used as an experimental year by many countries to figure out their best team for their World Cup campaign.

While many debutants perished without making any impact, there are few players who rose to stardom in no time with their scintillating performances. Here is the list of four young debutants (U-20) of 2018 who performed exceedingly well to grab everyone's attention.

#4 Khaleel Ahmed - India - Age 20

Khaleel Ahmed made his debut for India against Hong Kong in September 2018. Despite performing well in his debut game, he lost his place to Bumrah when he returned to the Indian line-up.

However, the Indian team management decided to give Khaleel a longer run. He played all the five ODIs against West Indies and impressed everyone with his accurate left-arm bowling.

Khaleel took 11 wickets from his six ODIs with an impressive average of 24.0. His bowling performance of 3-15 against West Indies grabbed everyone's attention. Khaleel performance would have been refreshing for Virat Kohli as India failed to produce many left-arm fast bowlers who can trouble batsmen, especially right-handers, with their in-swingers.

Khaleel will most likely make it to India's World Cup squad and will be willing to replicate his 2018 form on the grand stage next year.

#3 Prithvi Shaw - India - Age 19

Can Prithvi Shaw continue his rich vein of form in the upcoming series against Australia?

Prithvi Shaw came to limelight when he scored 546 runs in a Haris Shield elite division match in November 2013. Post that, he continued his good performance and rose up multiple levels. He captained India U19 team and led them to the glory in February 2018.

The 19-year-old Mumbai opening batsman made his debut for India on 4th October 2018 and scored a scintillating hundred in his first innings. He also became the youngest batsman (18 years and 329 days) in the history of Indian Cricket to make a Test 100 on debut.

Shawa also scored a quick-fire fifty in the second Test and helped India to win the series comfortably. He was also named as the 'Player of the Series'.

Prithvi Shaw will be looking to prove his worth during India's visit to Australia where they will be playing a four-match Test series in November/December.

#2 Shaheen Shah Afridi - Pakistan - Age 18

The entire cricketing world is in awe of this 18-year Old Pakistan speedster, Shaheen Shah Afridi

Shaheen Afridi came to limelight during the Under-19 ICC Cricket World Cup where he finished with 12 wickets in five games. The 6-foot 6-inch fast bowler has the ability to bowl consistently at 90 mph. He made his debut for Pakistan on September 18, 2018, against Afghanistan at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

From then on, there is no stopping the 18-year-old speedster. He has played 6 ODIs and 7 T20Is in the last 3 months claiming a total of 24 wickets. He tormented the Australians and New Zealand players with his sheer pace.

Against New Zealand, he took nine wickets from just three ODIs with two four-wicket hauls. Shaheen Afridi is considered as the next big thing in the world cricket. He will be looking to bring glory to Pakistan in the upcoming World Cup.

#1 Sam Curran - England - Age 20

Sam Curran tormented India team with his all-round abilities during English Summer

Sam Curran received his first International cap for England in January 2018 when England played Australia and New Zealand during the Trans-Tasman tri-series tournament.

However, he rose fame during the five-match Test series against India. He played a major role in England trashing India by a 4-1 margin. He was also named the Player of the series for taking 11 wickets and scoring 272 runs from his four games. He single-handedly won two Tests in the five-match series.

Sam Curran also received Cricket Writers' Club Young Cricketer of the year award for his brilliant summer performance against India. Sam Curran cemented his place in the English Test side and will be looking to find a place in their ODI set up too.

The left-handed batsman will target the upcoming World Cup to prove the world that he is not just a one-format player.