The 2024 Men’s U19 Asia Cup came to a close with electrifying games, which made cricket fans hopeful for the next generation. From 13-year-old scorers to skippers with attitude, this year’s tournament was full of exceptional young players. Here are some closer shots of the surprise acts who took center stage.
Shahzaib Khan (Pakistan) – The Powerhouse Opener
Shahzaib Khan won the tournament with the highest number of runs-striker, scoring 336 runs at an average of 84.0 and a strike rate of 94.6. Pakistan opener announced his debut against India with a gut-wrenching 159, a ten sixes that handed Pakistan a 43-run win. He then followed that with a brilliant 132 against the UAE and an important 45 in lower-order against Japan. A semi-final duck ended his run, but Shahzaib’s performances had laid down a foundation for one of the best batsmen in the country.
Al Fahad (Bangladesh) – The Spin Sensation
With the ball, Bangladesh’s Al Fahad had been a huge force, netting 12 wickets at an economy of 3.9. He was a partner-breaker who could always turn things upside down. Fahad’s standout innings was against Sri Lanka where he took three of the top four batters and posted 4-50. His careful bowling was essential to Bangladesh’s march to the title.
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Vaibhav Suryavanshi (India) – The Kid Prodigy.
Young Vaibhav Suryavanshi was 13 years old when his explosive bowling first became news. The left-handed opener made 176 runs at 145.5 and left a sombre taste in his mouth. Suryavanshi’s innings against Sri Lanka, in which he made 67 in 36 balls, carried India to victory. Now with a big IPL deal under his belt, comparisons to Rishabh Pant make sense for the young star.
Iqbal Hossain Emon (Bangladesh) – Tournament Player of the Day.
Iqbal Hossain Emon was aggressive and precise, the tournament’s top wicket-taker with 13 wickets at an average of 12.9. His heroics were at their best during the semi-final match against Pakistan, which he won 4-24, crushing the other side. Emon stayed the course in the final and had a breakthrough spell that got India on the back foot with 81-6. His 3-24 won Bangladesh the title and he was named the Player of the Tournament.
Azizul Hakim (Bangladesh) – The All-Round Leader
Azizul Hakim, the Bangladesh captain, set the example scoring 240 runs at an average of 80.0 and taking four wickets. Hakim began his campaign with a century in Afghanistan, then half-centuries in matches against Nepal and Pakistan. His all-round excellence was evident most during the final where he scored 3-15 and even took the wicket of India captain Mohamed Amaan.
Abdul Subhan (Pakistan) – The Fast Pace Man Of Tomorrow.
Abdul Subhan had flashed his raw ability in just three matches, taking nine wickets at an average of 14.4. He had his best outing with the UAE where his painful bounce and accuracy helped him to a 6-57 mark. Subhan’s ability to use the new ball and get behind lines is all indication of good things for Pakistan’s fast-bowling unit.
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Mohamed Amaan (India) – The Lone Man.
The Indian captain Mohamed Amaan provided 189 runs at an average of 94.5. The one-match, no-loss 122 against Japan was an example of his character and technique. India failed in the final, but Amaan showed great courage and blazed home in a disastrous chase. He’s a captain who has proven himself to be the future of Indian cricket.
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These guys made the 2024 U19 Asia Cup an experience and it will be interesting to see how their careers unfold. From Shahzaib’s ripping runs to Emon’s spells, the tournament showcased that there is plenty of talent in the lower-order. The stars that lie ahead appear to be a lot of promise for the game.
