Top 5 performers from the group stage of ICC U-19 World Cup
The group stage of the ICC U-19 World Cup in Bangladesh has ended. The group stage saw some surprising exits in the form of defending champions South Africa and entries into the knockout stage, in the form of Nepal.Such has been the quality on show that a bowler who bowls at almost 150 kmph with an economy rate under 3 (West Indies' Alzarri Joseph) and a player with two Man of the Match awards in three matches (India's Sarfaraz Khan) don't make the cut.Here are the top 5 performers from the group stage of ICC U-19 World Cup.
#5 Nazmul Hossain Shanto
One of the reasons why Bangladesh are in the quarter-final of the tournament is because of their No.4 Nazmul Hossain Shanto. Not only did he become the highest run-scorer in Under-19 one-day matches in the tournament, but he also averages a scarcely believable 200 after three matches.
With two Man of the Match awards in his side's opening two matches, it is fair to say that the 17-year-old almost single-handedly brought the hosts into the quarter-final. His first hundred of the tournament, which came against Scotland, came when his side needed it most as he came in when they were struggling at 17/2 and it was his unbeaten 113 that helped them post 256/6, which proved to be too much for Scotland.
That hundred was his second 50+ score of the tournament as he kicked off the tournament with a match-winning 73 against the defending champions South Africa. If the hosts are to reach the latter stages of the and perhaps even go on to claim the trophy, Shanto will need to maintain his incredible form.