Top 5 wicket-takers in Under-19 World Cups

#2 Greg Thompson, Ireland

Leg-spinner Greg Thompson played in three Under-19 World Cups for Ireland

27 wickets at 21.74 in 19 matches

Leg-break bowler Greg Thompson made Ireland proud even before they had any recognition on the global stage. Having played three consecutive Under-19 World Cups in 2004, 2006 and 2008, Thompson immediately gained the attention of the observers by bagging 5/49 against West Indies in his first World Cup, though that could not prevent Ireland from losing a close match.

An economical haul of 2/22 came against Uganda where he conceded just over two runs an over.

In 2006, he took 3/48 against Zimbabwe, but further glory arrived two years later when he bagged his second five-wicket haul in the youth World Cup by claiming 5/26 against Bermuda in the Play-Off semi-final to help Ireland defend 237.

A fantastic average of 21.74 is testimony to his wicket-taking abilities, though it remains a pity that Thompson never made it big for the senior Ireland side, having only played 3 ODIs and 8 T20s since his debut in 2008.