U19 World Cup: 5 brilliant performances by the current big names

The U19 World Cup is considered as an appropriate platform for youngsters to launch their international cricket career. Several cricketers have gone on and played at the highest level following impressive shows in the junior World Cup. The warm-up games are on its way and we are only a day away from the start of the prestigious tournament. As we await the beginning of the 2018 edition of the Under-19 World Cup, let’s take you through some of the jaw-dropping performances by current stars in world cricket.

#1 Virat Kohli 100 off 74 balls v West Indies, 2008

Virat Kohli, with a truckload of runs under his belt, is currently one of the most feared batsmen in world cricket. Such has been his dominance the India batsman is speculated to smash Sachin Tendulkar’s record in cricket, especially in One-Day Internationals.

However, the cricketer emerged from the U19 World Cup in 2008 at Kuala Lumpur. During the tournament, he notched a swashbuckling ton off 74 balls against the Windies, which marked Kohli’s emergence in world cricket.

He took the field with India at 105/2 in the 27th over and took the attack to the opposition from the outset. The skipper reached his half-century in 49 balls. Nevertheless, after accomplishing 50 runs, he went on a rampage and raced away to the ton in the next 25 balls.

#2 Shikhar Dhawan 155 off 138 balls v Scotland, 2004

Shikhar Dhawan is currently one of India’s most reliable batsmen in all forms of cricket- Tests, ODIs and T20Is. He has played exceptionally over the past few years and has emerged as a decent top-order batsman for the Men in Blue.

He is another product of U19 cricket as he scored a brilliant knock of 155 runs off 138 balls against Scotland in the 2004 World Cup, which included 15 boundaries and one six. He carted the Scottish bowlers across the park and carried his bat after the allotted 50 overs.

Team India posted a mammoth 425 runs, which turned out to be a far cry for Kyle Coetzer’s boys. Subsequently, India shot their opposition out for 155 runs and clinched the game by 270 runs. Dhawan was rightfully awarded the Man of the Match.

#3 Trent Boult 7/20 v Malaysia, 2008

Trent Boult is currently New Zealand’s gun bowler in international cricket. The Black Caps have won several games on the back of Boult’s brilliance with the ball. He has simply been outstanding for the Kiwis over the years.

He was a part of the New Zealand Under-19 squad for the 2008 World Cup at Johor. His best performance during the tournament came against Malaysia when he ripped apart the Kiwis with a spell of seven wickets and 20 runs in 8.1 overs.

Following Boult’s masterclass, Malaysia was shot out for 47 runs in 17 overs. Thereafter, the Kane Williamson-led side cantered to a victory by eight wickets in 11.1 overs. The left-arm was adjudged the Player of the Match award.

#4 Alistair Cook 108 off 131 balls v New Zealand, 2004

Alistair Cook has been an indefatigable ranger for England over the past decade. He has performed exceptionally for English cricket with several match-winning knocks to his credit. However, prior to international cricket, he was a part of the Under 19 setup.

He played in the 2004 World Cup at Dhaka in Bangladesh and turned out to be an integral element of their team. He led the team efficiently during the tournament and notched some useful knocks for them, one of them being scored against New Zealand in a group game.

The left-hander raced his way to 108 runs off 131 balls, which included 11 boundaries. England racked up 306 runs courtesy Cook’s brilliance. New Zealand was no match for them and slumped to a defeat by 97 runs.

#5 Wayne Parnell 57 runs and 6/8 v Bangladesh, 2008

Wayne Parnell has lately struggled to claim a place in the South African team. However, he has played some decent hands for the Proteas at top-level cricket. During his early playing days, he had the privilege of leading the Under 19 side.

The all-rounder led his nation to the Final of 2008 Under-19 World Cup against Virat Kohli-led India. During the quarter-final of the event, he compiled an all-round performance to guide South Africa to the semi-final.

He compiled a breezy, yet matured knock of 57 runs off 59 balls, which helped South Africa reach a respectable score of 242/8. While bowling, he ripped apart the Bangladesh batting with a stupendous spell of 5-0-8-6. Subsequently, South Africa won by 201 runs.