All 16 teams have played at least one game in the 2024 men’s under-19 World Cup and here are the talking points from the first round.

Ubaid Shah’s four-wicket haul

Ubaid, Naseem Shah’s younger brother, registered 4-26 against Afghanistan, breathing fire with his pace in the innings. Defending 285, Ubaid struck in the second over, dismissing No.3 Jamshid Zadran and came back to send back Hassan Eisakhil for 19 as Afghanistan were reduced to 42-3.

His most notable dismissal was that of Arab Gul Momand. The third ball of his sixth over was a fuller delivery on the off stump that nipped back into the batter. Momand failed to react in time and was stuck in his crease as the ball shattered his stumps.

Ubaid, who had taken four wickets in the U19 Asia Cup semi-final against the UAE last month, is also known for his aggressive demeanour. In the same match, he did not hesitate to give the UAE skipper Ayaan Afzal Khan a big send-off. Overall, the 17-year-old has 18 wickets in seven under-19 ODIs at an average of 16.05.

Rehan Ahmed’s brother Farhan’s economical spell

15-year-old Farhan, an off-spinner, conceded 22 runs in his ten overs, picking up three wickets to reduce Scotland to 174 in their first innings. Coming in as the first change bowler, Rehan gave away 14 runs in his first five overs and was even more stringy in the next five where he had figures of 2-8.

India-Bangladesh players at it again

Over the years, India and Bangladesh cricket matches have garnered attention for their sizzling rivalry, with both the senior (men’s and women’s) teams along with junior players being involved in various conflicts in the past.

On Saturday, a familiar visual greeted the viewers as Bangladesh bowler Ariful Islam seemingly had a heated word with India captain Uday Saharan after the latter attempted a second run. Ariful was seen uttering a few words to Saharan, who seemed dismayed at the bowler’s antics.

The two were involved in a stare-off before a few other Bangladesh fielders joined in to have a go. They had to be separated by the on-field umpire in the end.

West Indies fall agonisingly short in remarkable run chase

South Africa posted a formidable 285-9 on the board in the second match of the World Cup, led by a blistering 38-ball 65 from Dewan Marais. In reply, West Indies raced away to 73 in the first ten overs, but lost five wickets in the process. Three of those were picked up by Kwena Maphaka, who got swing and pace, dismissing Adrian Weird and No.3 Joshua Dorne with yorkers while also getting Stephan Pascal.

No.6 Jewel Andrew, however, steadied the ship and blazed 130 runs in only 96 balls to keep the West Indies in the hunt. He stitched together a 117-run stand, in which Nathan Sealy contributed only 33 before being run out. The lower order contributed as well, with Tarrique Edward and Nathan Edward proving to be handy partners.

At 250-7 with 35 runs to get in 11 overs, the West Indies were well in the game, but Maphaka bowled another yorker to send back Nathan, signaling the end. West Indies were dismissed in the next four balls, their last three wickets falling in seven balls.

Zimbabwe undone by  stiff DLS target

Zimbabwe dismissed Sri Lanka for 204 with the innings defined by pinpoint accurate bowling. Kohl Eksteen was the wrecker-in-chief with three scalps upfront, reducing Sri Lanka to 12-3 while Anesu Kamuriwo created pressure at the other end, conceding only 12 runs in his seven overs.

Dinura Kalupahana was the sole warrior for Sri Lanka, scoring 60 in 55 balls while six batters scored in single digits. From 88-5, Sri Lanka reached 168-5 but they failed to carry on and were dismissed for 204 in 48.3 overs.

In reply, Zimbabwe were reduced to 30-3 in 13 overs but with seven wickets in hand and 175 to get, it was still their game. Then rain came, and they were set a stiff DLS target of 129 in 22 overs. Zimbabwe needed to chase 99 in nine overs, a task that proved difficult as they were bundled out for 89 after Malsha Tharupathi picked up four wickets.

Australia survive Namibia scare

Namibia were dismissed for 91 against Australia on January 22 (today), a target that was not deemed tough for the Hugh Weibgen-led side. The fact that cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties was displayed once again as Australia stumbled, falling from 13-1 to 57-5 as Namibia sensed an opportunity.

Led by Jack Bracewell’s three-for, Namibia tightened the screws on the Australians but a calm 39 by Weibgen averted disaster. The bowlers were expensive in the end as they failed to get their lines right, allowing Australia to escape with a four-wicket win in the end.

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