ICC today announced the ‘Best XI’ from the recently concluded ICC U-19 World Cup. With India winning the tournament, it was no surprise to see 5 Indians making the cut.
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The Indian boys scripted a brilliant win against Australia on Saturday, dominating the game right from the outset to script one of the most lopsided World Cup campaigns in recent past.
The Indian top order has been solid in the entire tournament, with different players stepping up during different stages of the tournament to always keep the Indian team in safe hands during the first part of their innings.
Prithvi Shaw(261 runs), Manjot Kalra(252 runs) and player of the tournament Shubman Gill(372 runs) have all made it to the XI.
While batting has always been India’s strength, it was heartening to see how the Indian bowling line up performed in this U-19 World Cup.
It was fascinating for an Indian cricket romantic to see 18 year old Indian bowlers crank up 145 kmph on the clock.
Kamlesh Nagarkoti, who shot to fame after his consistent ‘fast’ bowling performances in the initial stages of the tournament, has been included in the team, along with Anukul Roy, who was India’s highest wicket taker in the tournament with 14 wickets.
The XI was picked by a 5 member panel appointed by the ICC. Anjum Chopra, Ian Bishop, Jeff Crowe, Shashank Kishore and Tom Moody comprised of that 5 member panel.
Prtithvi Shaw, the victorious Indian captain has not been named as the captain of the ‘Best XI’.
South African captain Raynard vsn Tonder was named as the captain of the side, owing to his exquisite cricketing acumen.
van Tonder scored 348 runs in the tournament, with his 143 against Kenya being his highest score.
Two other players from SA in wicketkeeper Wandile Makwetu and fast bowler Gerald Coetzee making it to the XI as well.
Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Shaheen Afridi and Afghanistan’s left-arm spinner, Qais Ahmed have made it to the XI having picked up 12 and 14 wickets respectively.
New Zealand’s Finn Alenn has been picked for the number 4 slot, rewarded for his tally of 338 runs in the tournament.
West Indies’ Alick Athanaze has been named as the 12th man for ending the tournament as the highest run-scorer(418 runs).
The ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup Team (in batting order):
Prithvi Shaw (India), Manjot Kalra (India), Shubman Gill (India), Finn Allen (New Zealand), Raynard van Tonder (South Africa, captain), Wandile Makwetu (wicket-keeper) (South Africa), Anukul Roy (India), Kamlesh Nagarkoti (India), Gerald Coetzee (South Africa), Qais Ahmad (Afghanistan), Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan).
12th man: Alick Athanaze (Windies)
