Looking back at the Man of the Series from each edition of the U-19 World Cup

#5 2008- Tim Southee, New Zealand

It is very rare that a player who has turned out for his senior national team represents the country in the U-19 level as well. Tim Southee first represented New Zealand in the U-19 World Cup in 2006, where he picked up 5 wickets at an average of 38.8. However, due to his impressive form in the domestic circuit, he was picked up by the Black Caps in 2008, just months before he turned out in his second U-19 World Cup campaign.

Though the event is famed for India’s historic win and the rise of Virat Kohli, it was a stepping stone for Southee as well. He picked up 17 wickets throughout the tournament, including figures of 5 for 11 in New Zealand’s first match against Zimbabwe. He averaged just 6.64 at an economy of 2.52 runs per over and in a team that also comprised of Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill, Trent Boult and Corey Anderson, Southee emerged as the player with the brightest future.

He made his debut for the Kiwis in Tests a month after the event.