The ICC proudly announced South Africa’s very own captain, Raynard van Tonder, as the leader of the Team of the ICC U19 World Cup 2018. The tournament concluded in Tauranga, with India clinching the title for the fourth time after an impressive eight-wicket victory over Australia.
Raynard van Tonder showcased exceptional talent, amassing 348 runs over six matches, including a magnificent 143 against Kenya. He was selected to captain the team ahead of his peers, thanks to his sharp cricketing intelligence and leadership skills.
Although South Africa bowed out of the title race with a narrow three-wicket quarter-final defeat to Pakistan, they bounced back strongly to finish fifth. The final play-off saw them dominate Bangladesh by eight wickets, with van Tonder unbeaten on 82.
The team boasts five talented players from India, featuring the top three batsmen: captain Prithvi Shaw with 261 runs, Manjot Kalra – player of the final, with 252 runs, and Shubman Gill, the tournament’s standout with 372 runs.
On the bowling front, India’s left-arm spinner Anukul Roy took 14 wickets, while fast bowler Kamlesh Nagarkoti claimed 9 wickets, both earning their spots in the prestigious team.
From South Africa, apart from van Tonder, wicket-keeper Wandile Makwetu and pace spearhead Gerald Coetzee were honored. Makwetu was impressive behind the stumps with 11 dismissals, and he also contributed valuable runs, while Coetzee ended the tournament with 8 wickets.
Other notable selections include New Zealand batsman Finn Allen, rewarded for his consistent run tally of 338 runs; Pakistan’s lethal left-arm quick Shaheen Afridi with 12 wickets; and Afghanistan’s crafty leg-spinner Qais Ahmad with 14 wickets.
The West Indies’ batsman Alick Athanaze was named as the 12th man after finishing as the top run-scorer of the tournament, racking up 418 runs, including centuries against Sri Lanka and Kenya.
The Team of the ICC U19 World Cup was carefully chosen by a distinguished five-member panel featuring former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop, ex-India women’s captain Anjum Chopra, former New Zealand skipper Jeff Crowe, journalist Shashank Kishore, and ex-Australia all-rounder Tom Moody.
Here is the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2018 Team (batting order):
- Prithvi Shaw (India) – 261 runs
- Manjot Kalra (India) – 252 runs
- Shubman Gill (India) – 372 runs
- Finn Allen (New Zealand) – 338 runs
- Raynard van Tonder (South Africa, captain) – 348 runs
- Wandile Makwetu (wicket-keeper) (South Africa) – 184 runs and 11 dismissals (all catches)
- Anukul Roy (India) – 14 wickets
- Kamlesh Nagarkoti (India) – 9 wickets
- Gerald Coetzee (South Africa) – 8 wickets
- Qais Ahmad (Afghanistan) – 14 wickets
- Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan) – 12 wickets
- 12th man: Alick Athanaze (West Indies) – 418 runs
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