The shortlist for the Player of the Tournament at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup has been unveiled, featuring eight outstanding players who have left a mark on the tournament with their exceptional performances.
Kwena Maphaka of South Africa has emerged as one of the standout bowlers of the tournament, claiming 21 wickets at an impressive average of 9.71. He came close to breaking the tournament record for most wickets, set by Bangladesh’s Enamul Haque Jr in 2014. Maphaka also made history by becoming the first player to achieve three five-wicket hauls in a single edition of the tournament.
Pakistan’s Ubaid Shah has been a consistent performer with the ball, taking 18 wickets at an average of 12.38. His highlight was a remarkable five-wicket haul against Bangladesh, which played a crucial role in Pakistan’s journey to the semi-finals. Known for his pace and ability to generate movement, Ubaid has been a headache for opposition batsmen throughout the tournament.
Saumy Pandey from India has been a key player for his team, particularly with his left-arm spin. With 17 wickets at an astonishing average of 8.47, Pandey has been instrumental in restricting opposition teams’ scoring rates. His economy rate of 2.44 is the best among all bowlers with more than five wickets in the tournament, and he has claimed four-wicket hauls on three occasions.
Another Indian talent, Musheer Khan, has showcased his all-round skills with both bat and ball. With 338 runs at an impressive average of 67.60, including two centuries, Musheer has been a vital contributor to India’s success in the tournament. Additionally, his handy wickets with the ball have demonstrated his versatility and impact on the team.
Jewel Andrew of the West Indies made a significant impact with the bat, scoring 207 runs at an average of 69. His standout performance came in the opening match against South Africa, where he scored a superb 130. Andrew’s contributions extended beyond batting, as he also played a pivotal role behind the stumps, taking five catches and a stumping.
Australia’s captain, Hugh Weibgen, has been a dominant force with the bat, amassing 256 runs at an average of 51.2. His remarkable innings of 120 against England in a crucial Super Six clash was one of the highlights of the tournament. Weibgen’s ability to adapt his game to different conditions has been instrumental in Australia’s success.
India’s Uday Saharan, serving as the team’s captain, has led from the front with his exemplary batting performances. With 389 runs at an average of 64.83, including a match-winning 81 in the semi-final against South Africa, Saharan has been instrumental in guiding his team to the title decider. His century against Nepal showcased his ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
Steve Stolk of South Africa has been a powerful presence in the batting lineup, finishing the tournament with 228 runs at an average of 38. Known for his hard-hitting abilities, Stolk boasted the best strike-rate of any player in the tournament, with an impressive 141.61. His innings against Scotland, where he smashed eight sixes en route to 86 runs from just 37 deliveries, was particularly memorable.
