Under-19 World Cup 2018: 5 biggest positives for India 

#1 Fast bowling stands out

Nagarkoti was one of the quickest bowlers on display in this Under-19 World Cup.

We often see India as a batting country. However, the success that the India Under-19 team has had in this World Cup is largely because of the bowlers. How often do you see two Under-19 boys from the same team bowling in excess of 140 kmph on a consistent basis?

Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti can hit high speeds on a regular basis. Their lines and lengths are impeccable as well. 9 wickets each (taken by Mavi and Nagarkoti respectively) in 6 games might not look outstanding, but the way they’ve bowled and created pressure has been one of the highlights of this World Cup.

If Mavi can swing the ball at pace (at about 140 kmph), Nagarkoti can rattle the batsmen with sheer pace as he has consistently hit more than 145 kmph in this tournament.

Ishan Porel who got injured in the first game came back in the knockouts and displayed good consistency as well. Even though he didn’t have the pace, his accuracy got him wickets. His 4/17 broke the back of Pakistan’s batting line-up in the semi-final. Even in the final, he provided India with the initial breakthroughs. Left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh who filled in for the absence of Porel in the group stages also did well (took 3 wickets in 2 games).

Thus, the fast bowlers were India’s biggest asset in this tournament and the future of fast bowling looks very bright with these young pacers performing brilliantly.