Review: Top 5 moments of the 2014 U19 World Cup

The 10th edition of ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup yesterday concluded with a new champion South Africa. The 48 match long tournament where 240 players from 16 different teams participated, UAE gave us the opportunity to watch crickets future stars.Right from the start of the World Cup where both India and Australia faced early defeats in warm-up matches; the tournament kept its viewers and fans alike entertained till the very end.From title triumphs to big upsets and close finish to that hat-trick lets check out this seasons top five moments:

#1 South Africa the final frontier

Often remarked as the ‘chokers’, South African U19s Captain Aiden Markram would always be remembered for his team’s heroics in the finals yesterday. South Africa managed an easy victory to lift its first ever ICC Trophy by defeating Pakistan by 6 wickets in a low scoring match. It was the youngest side of this tournament that haven’t had any player with previous World Cup experience.

#2 The gusty Afghanistan U19s

Since the 2010 ICC Twenty20 World Cup, Afghanistan has been a familiar name in international cricket circuit. Their constant improvement and ability to excel has become a norm by now. Afghanistan’s league match against Australia where they registered a 36-run victory – by wrapping up the Australian innings in 48 overs – speaks the volume of talent this team possess. They became the second only non-Test playing nation after Nepal to make it to the QFs.

#3 Kuldeep Yadav Indias hat-trick boy

It just takes an over to become Yuvraj Singh – the big hitter. And a complete opposite playing-role to become Kuldeep Yadav – the hat-trick boy! Hailing from UP and an admirer of Shane Warne, the 19-year-old became an overnight hero after his three wickets from three-successive deliveries against Scotland in a group match. Although, he was consistent with the ball even in the warm-up matches and has been in the headlines courtesy his left arm spin action aka the rare Chinaman breed of bowlers. He scalped 14 wickets in the tournament and remained joint-second with South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada.

#4 Pakistan the same unpredictable side

And why is it so, proved yet again. Pakistan’s batting has been their major problem, just like it’s a tradition with them. Apart from their first league match against India, they did win all the matches, including the warm-ups. Still, the runners-up of 2014. How intriguing, isn’t it?! Their shaky character in big matches often produces close results. Like what happened in the semi-final where they defeated England in the last over but lost the finals to South Africa after four days!

#5 The Showstoppers the hosts UAE

What it meant to host a mega event like World Cup, especially when you are not among the top-teams, ask to the UAE cricket administration. Being the newest host of an ICC event, UAE is better known as a second home to Pakistan and Afghanistan national cricket teams. Although, the Sharjah Cricket Stadium has its own reputation including Sachin’s ‘Desert Storm’ against Australia in 1997-98; it has staged 215 ODIs – the most by any ground till date. It took South Africa to a prominent stage for hosting mega sports event after the 2010 FIFA World Cup. And, who knows, maybe the UAE is the next-in-line for the IPL.